AD 87-15-07

87-15-07 BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON, INC.: Amendment 39-5643. Applies to Model 222, 222B, and 222U helicopters, certified in any category, with flapping bearing P/N 222-310-114-003/-105 installed.

Compliance is required as indicated unless already accomplished.

Compliance schedules required on page 1 of BHTI Alert Service Bulletins (ASB) Nos. 222-86-39, Rev. A and 222U-86-14, Rev. A are not required by this AD.

To prevent failure of the M/R flapping bearing, accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next 25 hours time in service after the effective date of this AD, perform Part I of the "Accomplishment Instructions" of BHTI ASB No. 222-86-39, Rev. A, dated January 14, 1987, for Model 222 and 222B helicopters and ASB No. 222U-86-14, Rev. A, dated January 14, 1987, for the Model 222U helicopter. If a crack is detected during the inspections, replace the M/R flapping bearing before further flight.

(b) Within the next 100 hours time in service after the effective date of this AD, perform Part II of the "Accomplishment Instructions" of BHTI ASB No. 222-86-39, Rev. A, dated January 14, 1987, for the Model 222 and 222B helicopters and ASB No. 222U-86-14, Rev. A, dated January 14, 1987, for the Model 222U helicopters.

(c) Comply with Part III of the "Accomplishment Instructions" of BHTI ASB No. 222-86-39, Rev. A, dated January 14, 1987, for the Model 222 and 222B helicopters and ASB No. 222U-86-14, Rev. A, dated January 14, 1987, for the Model 222U helicopter on the effective date of this AD.

(d) Alternative inspections, modifications, or other actions which provide an equivalent level of safety may be used when approved by the Manager, Helicopter Certification Branch, Southwest Region, Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0170.

The above procedures shall be done in accordance with BHTI ASB Nos. 222-86-39, Rev. A, dated January 14, 1987, or 222U-86-14, Rev. A, dated January 14,1987, as appropriate. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) (1) and 1 CFR Part 51. Copies may be obtained from BHTI, 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, NW., Room 8401, Washington, D.C.

This amendment, 39-5643 becomes effective on August 7, 1987.