Summary
This document proposes superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron, a Division of Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 222, 222B, 222U, and 230 helicopters. That AD currently requires a visual check of each main rotor grip (grip) and pitch horn assembly without disassembling the main rotor hub assembly (hub assembly), and a visual inspection at specified intervals of each affected grip and pitch horn assembly for a crack using a 10-power or higher magnifying glass. If a crack is found, the existing AD requires replacing each unairworthy grip or pitch horn with an airworthy part before further flight. This action would require those same actions, and would also require an additional inspection of the grip and pitch horn assembly for a crack in the disassembled hub assembly, and replacing any cracked part with an airworthy part. This proposal is prompted by determination that an additional enhanced inspection is needed to ensure the integrity of the hub assembly. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of the grip or pitch horn and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.