AD 99-16-09

99-16-09 BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON CANADA: Amendment 39-11244; Docket No. 98-SW-52-AD. Issued July 28 1999.

Applicability: Model 230 helicopters, serial numbers 23001 through 23038, certificated in any category.

NOTE 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Requiredas indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent loss of torque of the vertical fin attachment bolts (bolts), which could lead to fracture of the bolts, separation of the vertical fin from the helicopter, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter accomplish the following:

(a) Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS), verify the torque on the bolts in accordance with Part I of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin No. 230-98-14, Revision A, dated June 9, 1998 (ASB).

(b) On or before the next 150 hour TIS inspection, inspect the vertical fin fitting and tail boom fitting for cracks, elongated bolt holes, distortion, and corrosion in accordance with Part II of the Accomplishment Instructions in the ASB. If elongation of a bolt hole is detected, incorporate the modifications specified in Bell Helicopter Textron Technical Bulletin No. 230- 98-23, Revision A, dated July 1, 1998.

(c) After the inspection required by paragraph (b) and after at least 5 hours TIS but within 10 hours TIS, re-verify the torque on the bolts in accordance with Part III, Special Inspections, Step 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions in the ASB.

(d) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 150 hours TIS, verify the torque of the vertical fin attachment bolts in accordance with the 150 flight hour scheduled inspections, Part III, of the Accomplishment Instructions in the ASB.

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

NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Certification Office.

(f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(g) The inspections shall be done in accordance with Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin No. 230-98-14, Revision A, dated June 9, 1998 and Bell Helicopter Textron Technical Bulletin No. 230-98-23, Revision A, dated July 1, 1998. These incorporations by reference were 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 Canada, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec JON1LO, telephone (800) 463-3036, fax (514) 433-0272. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(h) This amendment becomes effective on August 24, 1999.

NOTE 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada (Canada) AD CF-98- 22, dated August 7, 1998.