Summary
This document proposes superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI) Model 204B, 205A-1, 212, 214B, and 214B-1 helicopters. That AD currently requires reducing the retirement time for certain main rotor tension-torsion (TT) straps on those models and on the Model UH-1 series helicopters. This document would contain the same requirements but would remove the Model UH-1 series restricted category helicopters and would add the BHTI Model 205A and 205B helicopters to the applicability. This proposal is prompted by the issuance of a separate AD for the Model UH-1 series helicopters and the need to add the BHTI Model 205A and 205B helicopters to the applicability because the affected straps are eligible for installation on these model helicopters. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of a TT strap, loss of a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.