AD 88-02-03

88-02-03 BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON, INC. (BHTI): Amendment 39-6379. Final Rule of Priority Letter AD. Docket No. 88-ASW-1.

Applicability: All BHTI Model 222, 222B, and 222U helicopters certificated in any category, with main rotor (M/R) yoke, part number (P/N 222-011-102-101, installed.

Compliance: Required prior to further flight after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.

To prevent failure of the M/R yoke which could result in loss of a M/R blade and subsequent loss of the helicopter, accomplish the following:

(a) Visually inspect before the first flight of each day, the main rotor yoke for crack indications in the four (4) areas around the Flapping Bearing attachment bushings as shown in Figure 1. If a crack is detected, replace the M/R yoke prior to further flight.

NOTE: BHTI Service Bulletin Numbers 222U-88-20 or 222-88-46, dated January 14, 1988, pertain to these inspections.

(b) An alternate method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time, which provides an equivalent level of safety, may be used when approved by the Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office, ASW-170, FAA, 4400 Blue Mound Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0170.

(c) In accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199, the helicopter may be flown to a base where the inspection may be accomplished.

This amendment (39-6379, AD 88-02-03) becomes effective on November 28, 1989, as to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Priority Letter AD 88-02-03, issued on January 21, 1988, which contained this amendment.