AD 85-18-06

85-18-06 BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON, INC.: Amendment 39-5541. Applies to all Bell Helicopter Model 214B/B1 and 214ST series helicopters certificated in all categories.

Compliance is required within the next 10 hours' time in service, unless previously accomplished, and thereafter at 250 hour intervals.

To prevent failure of the main rotor drag brace accomplish the following:

(a) Inspect main rotor drag brace assembly, Part Number (P/N) 214-010-113-001 or 003, in accordance with Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI), Alert Service Bulletin 214-85-28, dated September 3, 1985, or 214ST-85-29, dated September 3, 1985, as applicable.

(b) If cracks are found, or if corrosion is found which cannot be removed within the limits of the rework criteria in the Alert Service Bulletins, replace with serviceable parts.

(c) An alternative means of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time, which provides an equivalent level of safety, must be approved by the Manager, Helicopter Certification Branch, Aircraft Certification Division, FAA, Southwest Region.

This procedure shall be done in accordance with BHTI Alert Service Bulletin 214-85-28, dated September 3, 1985, or 214ST-85-29, dated September 3, 1985, as applicable. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51. Copies may be obtained from Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, Texas 76101.

Copies may be inspected at the Office of Regional Counsel, FAA, 4400 Blue Mound Road, Fort Worth, Texas or at the Office of the Federal Register, 1100 L Street, NW., Room 8401, Washington, D.C.

This amendment becomes effective April 20, 1987, as to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by priority letter AD No. 85-18-06, issued September 11, 1985, which contained this amendment.