Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 407 Helicopters

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2001-01-52, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 407 helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires, before further flight, reducing the maximum approved never exceed velocity (Vne); inserting a copy of this AD into the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM); installing a temporary placard on the flight instrument panel to indicate the reduced Vne limit; and installing a new redline Vne limit on all airspeed indicators. This amendment is prompted by an accident resulting from a suspected tail rotor strike to the tailboom. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent tail rotor blades from striking the tailboom, separation of the aft section of the tailboom with the tail rotor gearbox and vertical fin, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.