AD 87-15-06

87-15-06 BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON, INC. (BHTI): Amendment 39-5644. Applies to BHTI Model 222B and 222U helicopters that have tail boom assembly, P/N 222-035- 150-103 or -107, installed.

To prevent failure of the tailboom, accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next 25 hours time in service and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours time in service, inspect the tailboom in accordance with Part I of BHTI Alert Service Bulletin Number 222-85-28 for the Model 222B and Number 222U-85-3 for the Model 222U.

(b) If any crack is identified during the inspection required in paragraph (a) above, Part II (Repair) or Part III (Modification) of Alert Service Bulletin Number 222-85-28 for the Model 222B or Number 222U-85-3 for the Model 222U must be accomplished before further flight.

(c) Upon completion of Part II (Repair) or Part III (Modification) of Alert Service Bulletin Number 222-85-28 for the Model 222B or Number 222U-85-3 for the Model 222U, the inspectionsrequired by paragraph (a) of this AD are no longer necessary.

(d) This AD does not apply if Part II (Repair) or Part III (Modification) of Alert Service Bulletin Number 222-85-28 for the Model 222B or 222U-85-3 for the Model 222U has been previously accomplished.

(e) Any alternate method of compliance with this AD which provides an equivalent level of safety must be approved by the Manager, Helicopter Certification Branch, Federal Aviation Administration, 4400 Blue Mound Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76101.

(f) In accordance with Sections 21.197 and 21.199, flight is permitted to a base where the inspection required by this AD may be accomplished.

The procedure shall be done in accordance with Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Alert Service Bulletin No. 222-85-28 or 222U-85-3, both dated March 21, 1985.

This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(1). Copies may be obtained from Bell HelicopterTextron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, Texas 76101. Copies may be inspected at the Office of the Regional Counsel, FAA, Southwest Region, 4400 Blue Mound Road, Fort Worth, Texas, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 1100 L Street, N.W., Room 8401, Washington, D.C.

This amendment, 39-5644, becomes effective August 7, 1987.