Summary
This document proposes adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron (Bell) Model 47D1, 47G, 47G-2, 47G-2A, 47G-2A-1, 47G-3, 47G-3B, 47G-3B-1, 47G-3B-2, 47G-3B-2A, 47G-4, 47G-4A, 47G-5, 47G-5A and Coastal Helicopters, Inc. Model OH-13H (Tomcat Mark 5A, 6B, 6C) helicopters that have a certain scissors assembly or weld assembly scissors bracket installed. The AD would require, within 60 days, determining and recording the total hours time-in-service (TIS) for each Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA)-produced scissors assembly and weld assembly scissors bracket and would establish a life limit for each affected part. This proposal is prompted by the need to establish a life limit on scissors assemblies and weld assembly scissors brackets produced under PMA No. PQ808SW or installed per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) No. SH2772SW. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to establish a life limit to prevent using a scissors assembly or weldassembly scissors bracket past its life limit, which could result in failure of the part and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.