Summary
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-02-06 for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 429 helicopters. AD 2016-02-06 requires inspecting certain tail rotor (T/R) pitch link bearing bores for corrosion and pitting. AD 2016-02-06 also requires a repetitive inspection of the sealant and repeating the inspections for corrosion and pitting if any sealant is missing. Since the FAA issued AD 2016-02-06, the FAA determined additional part-numbered T/R pitch link assemblies (links) are affected by the same unsafe condition and an additional repetitive inspection is necessary to address the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2016-02-06, expand the applicability, and add a repetitive inspection. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.