AD 73-08-03

73-08-03 BELL: Amdt. 39-1622. Applies to Bell Models 206A, 206B, 206A-1 and 206B-1 helicopters equipped with pylon support links, P/N 206-031-508-5 or -7, certificated in all categories.

Compliance required as indicated.

To prevent possible failure of a pylon support link, P/N 206-031-508-5 or -7 accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next ten hours time in service after the effective date of this A.D., unless already accomplished, inspect the pylon support link assemblies in accordance with Part II of Bell Helicopter Company Service Bulletin No. 206-01-73-2, Revision A, dated March 27, 1973, or later FAA approved revision or in accordance with an equivalent procedure approved by the Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch, Flight Standards Division, Southwest Region, Federal Aviation Administration. If the bearing inner race measures more than 1.255 inches in diameter or there is any crack in the link, the link assembly must be replaced prior to next flight.

(b) Within twenty-five hours time in service after compliance with paragraph (a) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed twenty-five hours from the last inspection, inspect the pylon support link assemblies in accordance with Part III of Bell Service Bulletin No. 206-01-73-2, Revision A, dated March 27, 1973, or later FAA approved revision or in accordance with an equivalent procedure approved by the Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch, Flight Standards Division, Southwest Region, Federal Aviation Administration. If any crack is found, the link assembly must be removed and replaced prior to next flight.

(c) This airworthiness directive is no longer applicable when pylon support links, P/N 206-031-589, are installed.

This supersedes Amendment 39-1602 (38 F.R. 6377), A.D. 73-05-04. This amendment becomes effective April 18, 1973.