Summary
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Model 206L, L-1, L-3, and L-4 helicopters. This proposed AD would require measuring each main rotor (M/R) blade spar space to determine whether it is oversized and reidentifying the blade and reducing the life limit of the blade if the spar spacer is oversized. This proposed AD is prompted by the manufacture of certain main rotor blades with an oversized spar spacer and the determination to reduce the life limits of those main rotor blades. The proposed actions are intended to prevent failure of a M/R blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.