AD 93-08-14

93-08-14 BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON, INC. (BHTI): Amendment 39-8562. Docket Number 93-SW-01-AD.

Applicability: Model 222, 222B, and 222U helicopters, equipped with main rotor flapping bearings (bearings), part number (P/N) 222-310-114-003, -105, -107 and -109, certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent failure of the bearings, loss of a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next 10 hours' time-in-service 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 bearings for cracks in accordance with paragraph 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable BHTI Alert Service Bulletin Nos. 222U-92-33 or 222-92-60, both dated December 16, 1992.

(b) If a crack is found in the bearings, replace the affected bearings with an airworthy part before further flight.

(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time, which provides an acceptable level of safety, may be used when approved by the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff.

NOTE: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Standards Staff.

(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) The inspection and any necessary replacement shall be done in accordance with the applicable BHTI Alert Service Bulletin Nos. 222U-92-33 or 222-92-60, both dated December 16, 1992. This incorporation byreference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, Texas 76101. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on April 6, 1994.