# Proposed AD FAA-2013-0697: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell) Helicopters

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2014-12-01
- Products: Bell Helicopter Textron
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: August 12, 2013, 78 FR 48822
- Comments due: October 11, 2013
- Became: [AD 2014-12-01](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2014-12-01)
- Docket: FAA-2013-0697 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2013-0697, where comments are filed)
- Project: 2013-SW-009-AD
- FR document: 2013-19431
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/21/3f/213fb8a04b34e8fd9ae208fdd33580c497d237dd9d8dc5d3cce29a52234458ff (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2013-08-12/pdf/2013-19431.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2013/08/12/2013-19431/airworthiness-directives-bell-helicopter-textron-inc-bell-helicopters
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/FA6ADD5D8497354586257BC5004938E8.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2013-0697

## Summary

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Model 214B, 214B-1, and 214ST helicopters with certain tail rotor hanger bearings (bearing) installed. The existing AD currently requires inspecting the bearing to determine whether an incorrectly manufactured seal material is installed on the bearing. Since we issued that AD, we have determined that replacing the defective bearing is a required terminating action. This proposed AD would retain the repetitive inspection of the bearings and would also require replacing the defective bearings. The proposed actions are intended to prevent loss of bearing grease, failure of the bearing, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

## Notices in this docket

- Aug 12, 2013: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2013-19431, comments due Oct 11, 2013 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2013/08/12/2013-19431/airworthiness-directives-bell-helicopter-textron-inc-bell-helicopters)

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