AD 88-08-01

88-08-01 (BELL); HERCULES; LENAIR CORPORATION; SMITH HELICOPTERS; AND WEST COAST FABRICATIONS: Amendment 39-5887. Applies to Model UH-1E, UH-1L, and TH-1L helicopters certified by Hercules; Lenair Corporation; Smith Helicopters, and West Coast Fabrications certified in any category that have P/N 204-076-428-1, -3, or -5 rod end bearing assemblies installed.

Compliance is required as indicated, unless already accomplished.

To detect possible cracks in the collective and cyclic rod end bearing assemblies, P/N 204-076-428-1, -3, or -5, installed on Model UH-1E, UH-1L, and TH-1L helicopters, accomplish the following:

(a) Prior to the next flight after the effective date of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 hours' time in service from the last inspection, visually inspect the rod end bearing assemblies for cracks. Perform the visual inspections by disconnecting the cyclic and collective control tube assemblies from the swashplate horns and the collective pitch control lever.

(b) Whenever the rod end bearing assemblies are removed for any reason, inspect for cracks using a fluorescent penetrant or equivalent method.

NOTE: Inspections specified by paragraphs (a) and (b) above are not required on rod end bearing assembly P/N 204-076-428-5 having documented time in service of less than 600 hours.

(c) If a crack is found during these inspections replace the rod end bearing with a serviceable part prior to further flight.

(d) Replace rod end bearing assemblies, P/N 204-076-428-1 or -3 within 11 calendar months from the effective date of this AD with rod end bearing assembly, P/N 204-076-428-5, having a documented known service life of less than 600 hours' time in service.

(e) Replace rod end bearing assembly P/N 204-076-428-5, not having a documented known service life, or those with greater than 600 hours' time in service, within 11 calendar months from the effective date of this AD with rod end bearing assembly P/N 204-076-428-5 having a documented service life of less than 600 hours' time in service.

(f) Retire from service rod end bearing assembly, P/N 204-076-428-5 at 600 hours' time in service or less after initial replacement described in paragraphs (d) and (e).

(g) An equivalent method of compliance which provides an equivalent level of safety with this AD may be used when approved by the Manager, Helicopter Certification Branch, Federal Aviation Administration, Fort Worth, Texas, 76193-0170.

This amendment, 39-5887, becomes effective May 6, 1988.