AD 84-12-02

84-12-02 BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON, INC: Amendment 39-4876. Applies to Bell Model 222 helicopters, certificated in all categories, that have nodal beam support fitting P/N 222-031-520-105 installed. (Airworthiness Docket 83-ASW-41.)

Compliance is required as indicated, unless already accomplished.

To prevent possible failure of the nodal beam left side aft support fitting, P/N 222-031- 520-105, accomplish the following:

(a) For those aircraft that have support fitting P/N 222-031-520-105 installed with 1,100 or more hours time in service on the effective date of this AD, remove the fitting within the next 100 hours time in service.

(b) For those aircraft that have support fitting P/N 222-031-520-105 with fewer than 1,100 hours time in service on the effective date of this AD, remove the fitting upon reaching 1,200 hours time in service.

NOTE: Fitting P/N 222-031-520-105 may be replaced by a serviceable fitting of the same part number, or by P/N 222-031-592-103.

(c) This AD establishes a 1,200 hour retirement life for all nodal beam left side aft support fittings P/N 222-031-520-105.

(d) Any equivalent method of compliance with this AD must be approved by the Manager, Helicopter Certification Branch, Federal Aviation Administration, 4400 Blue Mound Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76106.

(e) In accordance with Section 21.197, flight is permitted to a base where the actions required by this AD may be accomplished.

NOTE: The following is provided as information only:

Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Alert Service Bulletin 222-83-20 is the manufacturer's notification of the 1,200-hour life assignment to the nodal beam left side aft support fitting, P/N 222-031-520-105.

Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Technical Bulletin 222-83-53 provides instructions for replacement of the P/N 222-031-520-105 aluminum fitting with a stainless steel fitting, P/N 222- 031-592-103, that has no retirement life.

This amendment becomes effective July 11, 1984.