AD 92-07-08

92-07-08 BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON, INC. (BHTI): Amendment 39-8204. Docket No. 92-ASW-02.

Applicability: Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B and 212 helicopters, certificated in any category, equipped with swashplate support assembly, part number (P/N) 204-011-404-125.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless already accomplished.

To prevent possible failure of the swashplate support assembly that could result in loss of the helicopter, accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next 25 hours' time in service after the effective date of this AD, determine the purchase date of the swashplate support assembly, P/N 204-011-404-125, by reviewing the maintenance records. If the assembly was purchased prior to June 1990, no further action is required. If the swashplate support assembly was purchased after June 1990, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b).

(b) Perform the following:

(1) Disassemble the swashplate support assembly in accordance with the applicable component overhaul manual to the point necessary to allow an inspection of the outboard gimbal ring support lug and shoulder bushing.

(2) Measure the outside diameters (OD) of the bushing flange on each outboard bushing.

(i) If each outboard bushing has a flange OD of 0.61 to 0.64 inches, no further inspections are required.

(ii) If either bushing has a flange OD in excess of 0.64 inches, replace the swashplate support assembly with an airworthy part before further flight.

NOTE: Unapproved bushings with OD's of approximately 0.81 inches have been reported.

(c) Prior to the installation of any swashplate support assembly, P/N 204-011-404-125, comply with this AD.

(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance times, which provides an acceptable level of safety, may be used when approved by the Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office, ASW-170, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, FAA, Southwest Region, 4400 Blue Mound Road, Fort Worth, Texas, 76193-0170. The request shall be forwarded through an FAA Airworthiness Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager of the Rotorcraft Certification Office.

(f) Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Alert Service Bulletins 204-91-32, 205-91-45, 205B-91-10, and 212-91-72, all dated December 13, 1991, provide an acceptable, alternate means of compliance with this AD.

(g) This amendment becomes effective on March 25, 1992.