AD 73-16-03

73-16-03 BELL: Amdt. 39-1695. Applies to Model 205A-1 helicopters certificated in all categories equipped with float landing gear kit, P/N 205-706-050-1, with 200 hours or more total service time on the float gear.

Compliance required as indicated:

To detect possible cracks in the forward and aft cross tubes of the float landing gear, accomplish the following inspections specified in Bell Helicopter Company Service Bulletin 205- 02-73-1 dated February 16, 1973 or later approved revision or in accordance with an equivalent inspection approved by the Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch, Flight Standards Division, Southwest Region, Federal Aviation Administration.

(a) Within the next 10 hours time in service after the effective date of this A.D., unless already accomplished, conduct the inspections specified in Part I, paragraphs 3 and 4 of Bell Service Bulletin 205-02-73-1.

(b) At each 25 hours interval after the initial inspection, conduct the inspection specified in Part I, paragraph 6 of Bell Service Bulletin 205-02-73-1.

(c) At each 100 hours interval after the initial inspection, conduct the inspection specified in Part I, paragraph 7 of Bell Service Bulletin 205-02-73-1.

(d) The repetitive inspections specified herein, with the exception of the one-time inspection in (e), are no longer required after friction dampers, P/N 205-050-127-3 and 205-050- 127-5 have been installed.

(e) If friction dampers have been installed on helicopters with float kit, P/N 205- 706-050-1, with cross tubes which had 200 hours or more service time at the time of damper installation, conduct the inspections specified in Part II, paragraph 1 of Bell Service Bulletin 205- 02-73-1 within 10 hours time in service, after the effective date of this A.D., unless already accomplished.

(f) If a crack is found in a cross tube, replace the cross tube prior to next flight.

This amendment becomes effective August 13, 1973.