AD 81-10-07

81-10-07 BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON (BHT): Amendment 39-4108. Applies to all Model 212 series helicopters which have swashplate support part number (P/N) 204-011-404- 017 installed (Airworthiness Docket No. 81-ASW-18).

To prevent possible loss of main rotor control, accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next 10 flight hours following the effective date of this AD and continuing at intervals not to exceed 10 flight hours, thoroughly clean the 204-011-404-017 swashplate support-to-gimbal-ring attachment lugs. Using an inspection mirror and flashlight, inspect the lugs for cracks. Particular attention should be given to both inner attachment lugs. If a crack is found, remove and replace the swashplate support.

(b) The inspection is not required after swashplate support P/N 204-011-404-017 is replaced with P/N 204-011-404-121.

(c) Effective June 1, 1981, the retirement life of swashplate support P/N 204-011- 404-017 is reduced from 1,000 flight hours to 400 flight hours when used on the Model 212 helicopter. The new retirement life shall be recorded on the appropriate helicopter maintenance record.

(d) Prior to April 30, 1982, all swashplate support assemblies P/N 204-011-404-017 on Bell Model 212 helicopters must be replaced with P/N 204-011-404-121.

(e) Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin 212-81-22 applies for inspection techniques and areas to be inspected.

Note: Swashplate supports P/N 204-011-404-017 may have been installed on Model 204 or 205 helicopters and subsequently removed and installed on Model 212 helicopters. For those parts having such a history, determine the equivalent hours as follows:

Take the time the part has been installed on a Model 204 or 205 helicopter and divide this time by 2.5; to this result, add the time the part has been on a Model 212 helicopter. The answer is the equivalent hours on the part, and this number must not exceed 400 hours.

(f) Any equivalent method of compliance with this AD must be approved by the Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch, Flight Standards Division, Southwest Region, Federal Aviation Administration.

(g) In accordance with FAR 21.197, flight is permitted to a base where the inspection and repairs required by this AD may be accomplished.

This amendment becomes effective May 14, 1981.