Bell 206 JetRanger / LongRanger

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206A, 206A-1 (OH-58A), 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a loss of tail rotor (TR) drive due to a failure of an adhesively bonded joint between an adapter and a tube on one of the segmented TR drive shaft (TRDS) assemblies. This AD requires determining if an affected TRDS is installed; repetitively inspecting the bond line for damage; repetitively performing a proof load test of the TRDS assembly; and depending on the results of the inspections or the proof load tests, removing an affected TRDS from service and replacing it with a serviceable TRDS. This AD also prohibits installing a TRDS unless it meets certain requirements, as specified in a Transport Canada AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

The FAA is superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2021-26- 08, which applied to certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206, 206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters. AD 2021-26-08 required removing certain nuts from service; installing newly designed nuts; applying a specific torque, and a torque stripe to each newly installed nut; after the installation of each newly designed nut, inspecting the torque; and depending on the inspection results, either applying a torque stripe, or performing further inspections and removing certain parts from service. AD 2021- 26-08 also prohibited installing any affected nut on any tail rotor drive shaft (TRDS) disc pack (Thomas) coupling. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-26-08, the FAA determined certain torque values and part numbers (P/Ns) need to be revised. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked or missing nuts installed on the TRDS Thomas couplings and the need to revise certain torque values and P/Ns in AD 2021-26-08. This AD requires removing certain nuts from service; installing newly designed nuts; applying torque and a torque stripe; and additional corrective actions if necessary. This AD also prohibits installing any affected nut on any TRDS Thomas coupling, as specified in a Transport Canada AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Helicopters

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Textron Canada Limited (type certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters with a certain part-numbered main rotor (M/R) blade installed under Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR02684LA. This AD was prompted by delamination of M/R blades. This AD requires a repetitive inspection for delamination, and depending on the results, removing the M/R blade from service and reporting certain information. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters with certain Air Comm Corporation air conditioning systems installed. This AD was prompted by reports of damage to the drive ring spline teeth and the mating spline teeth. This AD requires visually inspecting the drive ring spline teeth and the mating area spline teeth on the oil cooler blower shaft for signs of deformation and fretting and depending on the results of the inspection, removing certain parts from service. This AD also requires reinstalling certain parts, applying torque, and aligning certain bolt holes. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206, 206A, 206A-1 (OH-58A), 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4, 222, 222B, 222U, 230, 407, 427, 429, and 430 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a shoulder harness seat belt comfort clip (comfort clip) interfering with the seat belt inertia reel. This AD requires removing each comfort clip from service, inspecting the shoulder harness seat belt for any rip and abrasion, and removing any shoulder harness seat belt from service that has a rip or abrasion. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited)

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (now Bell Textron Canada Limited) Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report that a certain tail rotor disc assembly, sold as an alternate part, does not conform to the approved configuration. This AD requires determining if an affected part is installed (by doing a maintenance records check or inspection), and if an affected part is found, replacement with a non-affected part. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-20-13 for certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (now Bell Textron Canada Limited) (Bell) Model 206B and 206L helicopters. AD 2013-20-13 required installing a placard beneath the engine power dual tachometer and revising the Operating Limitations section of the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter. This AD was prompted by the engine manufacturer expanding the RPM (N2) steady-state operation avoidance range limits. This AD retains certain requirements of AD 2013-20-13, and requires revising certain sections of the existing RFM for your helicopter and installing or replacing a placard. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Helicopters

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited (type certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Model 206L series helicopters. This AD was prompted by a manufacturing flaw that could cause low fuel level detector switch units (switch units) to hang in the high position and fail to indicate a low fuel condition. This AD requires removing certain switch units from service and prohibits installing those switch units. This AD also requires accomplishing an operational test of certain other switch units, and depending on the results, removing the switch unit from service. This AD also prohibits installing those certain other switch units unless they pass an operational test. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L- 1, 206L-3, 206L-4, and 407 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting and cleaning the oil supply restrictor (restrictor) to the freewheel assembly. This AD was prompted by reports of a blocked oil line restrictor in the freewheel lubrication system. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 206 helicopters. This AD requires removing certain tension-torsion straps (TT straps) from service and is prompted by reports of corroded TT straps. These actions are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (Bell) Helicopters

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2001-13-51 for Bell Model 206L-4, 407, and 427 helicopters. AD 2001-13-51 required inspecting certain driveshafts for a crack, a loose bolt or nut, or red powder residue and replacing a driveshaft if there is a crack, a loose bolt or nut, or red powder residue. AD 2001-13-51 also required notifying the FAA within 10 days if a crack is found in the driveshaft. This new AD retains the inspection requirement of AD 2001-13-51, expands the applicability to include the Model 429 helicopter, and removes the reporting requirement. This AD is intended to prevent failure of a driveshaft, loss of drive to the main rotor system, and a subsequent emergency landing.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters. This AD requires installing a placard and revising the limitations section of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM). This AD was prompted by several incidents of third stage engine turbine wheel failures caused by excessive vibrations at certain engine speeds during steady-state operations. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent turbine failure, engine power loss, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Helicopters

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

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain serial-numbered Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters with a certain tailboom upper left attachment fitting (fitting). This AD requires inspecting the fitting for a crack and other conditions. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising and extending the 100 hour time-in-service (TIS) inspection requirements for the fitting. The actions of this AD are intended to detect a crack, loose rivet, corrosion, or any other damage, which could lead to loss of the tailboom and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Helicopters

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell), Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L- 3, 206L-4, and 407 helicopters with an Apical Industries, Inc. (Apical) emergency float kit installed under Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Number SR01535LA. This AD was prompted by an incident in which the floats installed on a helicopter failed to deploy. This AD requires inspecting, labeling, and replacing the float inflation hoses. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the emergency floatation gear to deploy during an emergency event.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (Bell) Helicopters

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Model 206L-4 and 407 helicopters. This AD requires replacing or reworking certain aft bearing caps. This AD was prompted by the manufacture of certain freewheel aft bearing caps without a lubrication channel to allow oil flow into the aft bearing support assembly. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent failure of the freewheel unit and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Helicopters

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4, 222, 222B, 222U, 230, 407, 427, and 430 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting each bearing to determine if it has been properly staked and replacing the bearing or assembly if it has not been properly staked. This AD was prompted by bearings not being properly staked and migrating out of their proper position, which may limit the functionality of the affected part. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent failure of a bearing and the assembly in which it is installed and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Inc. Helicopters

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Inc. (BHT) Model 206A, 206B, and 206L helicopters. This AD requires replacing certain part-numbered engine auto-relight kit control boxes. This AD was prompted by a design review that revealed the control box chipset did not meet the required temperature range requirements, which could cause the control box to malfunction, disabling the engine auto-relight system. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent a disabled auto-relight system, failure of the engine to relight after a flame-out, increased pilot workload during a power loss emergency, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Helicopters

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting certain hydraulic servo actuator assemblies (servo) for a loose nut, shaft, and clevis assembly, modifying or replacing the servo as necessary, and reidentifying the servo. This AD is prompted by an investigation after an accident and the determination that there was a loose connection due to improper lock washer installation. These actions are intended to detect loose or misaligned parts of the servo to prevent failure of the servo and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, Limited, Helicopters

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (Bell) Model 206, 206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters, with Aviation Specialties Unlimited, Inc. (ASU), Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) lighting modified by Supplemental Type Certificate SR01383SE (STC). This AD requires determining the date of STC installation, determining if the aircraft has an unfiltered turbine outlet temperature (TOT) internal over-temperature warning light, and based on those findings, installing an NVIS filter. This AD was prompted by the finding that an unfiltered TOT indicator over-temperature warning light, when illuminated, created glare and reflections that could degrade the pilot's view while using night vision goggles thereby creating an unsafe condition. The actions of this AD are intended to modify any unfiltered TOT indicator unit over-temperature warning light by installing a filter to prevent degradation of the pilot's vision while using night vision goggles and to prevent subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters with certain main rotor blades installed to reduce the life limit of those blades. This AD is prompted by two accidents and the subsequent investigations that revealed that, in each accident, a main rotor blade failed because of fatigue cracking. These actions are intended to prevent failure of the main rotor blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4, 222, 222B, 222U, 230, 407, 427, and 430 Helicopters

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-26-51, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of the specified model helicopters by individual letters. This AD also supersedes existing AD 2009-08-03. This AD is prompted by another incident in which the tail rotor blade (blade) tip weight separated from a blade during flight causing vibration. This unsafe condition led to the determination that additional blades could be affected and should be added to the applicability. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of the blade tip weight, loss of a blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 206L, 206L-1, and 206L-3 Helicopters

This amendment revises an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 206L, 206L-1, and 206L-3 helicopters with a certain part numbered tailboom installed, that currently requires a visual inspection of the tailboom skin in the areas around the nutplates and in the areas of the tailboom drive shaft cover retention clips for cracks and corrosion using a 10-power or higher magnifying glass until the tailboom is replaced with an airworthy tailboom. This action requires the same actions as the existing AD, but allows a longer interval for the repetitive inspections if the tailboom is modified to increase its structural integrity. Replacement with an airworthy tailboom other than a part- numbered tailboom affected by this amendment constitutes a terminating action for the requirements of this AD. This amendment is prompted by an accident and several reports of fatigue cracks in the tailboom skin in the areas around the nutplates for the tail rotor fairing and in the areas of the tail rotor drive shaft cover retention clips. The actions required by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the tailboom and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 206A Series, 206B Series, 206L Series, 407, and 427 Helicopters

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-07-52 and supersedes Emergency AD 2009-07-51, issued March 17, 2009, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 206A series, 206B series, 206L series, 407, and 427 helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires, before further flight, inspecting each cyclic control lever assembly (lever assembly) that has less than 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) to determine if it is correctly installed and properly staked in the lever assembly. This amendment is prompted by a Transport Canada AD report of a bearing incorrectly installed in the copilot lever assembly. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of a bearing, failure of the lever assembly, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 206L, L-1, L-3, L-4, and 407 Helicopters

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) helicopters. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The Aviation Authority of Canada with whom we have a bilateral agreement states in the MCAI: "Horizontal stabilizers part numbers 206-023-119-167 and 407-023-801-109 may have manufacturing flaws on the inside surface of the upper and/or lower skin at the tailboom attachment inserts. These flaws may result in cracking of the skin and failure of the horizontal stabilizer." The manufacturer's service information states that in addition to cracks, the horizontal stabilizer may have deformation or debonding around and between the inserts. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 Helicopters

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The aviation authority of Canada, with which we have a bilateral agreement, states in the MCAI: "It has been determined that some helicopters have been fitted with a CRES steel fitting, part number (P/N) 407-030-750-103, and the installation of the tailboom attachment bolt does not meet the design criteria." We are issuing this AD to require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition that results from an improper installation of the tailboom attachment bolt in the upper left-hand tailboom attachment CRES steel fitting.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 206A and 206B Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 206A and 206B helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 0004 through 3906, with two-piece vertical stabilizer (fin) supports (fin supports) installed, that requires inserting a revision into the applicable maintenance manual, verifying the torque on the fin support attachment hardware, inspecting the fin support bracket and fins for paint or gaps, and inspecting the fin support bracket for cracking, and if a crack is found, replacing the two-piece vertical fin support with a one-piece casting support. This amendment is prompted by an accident in which the fin supports failed. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect improper torque of the fin supports' attachment hardware, gaps between the fin support bracket and the doubler, painted mating surfaces of the fin supports, vertical fin, and vertical fin inserts (fin inserts), and cracking in the fin supports, to prevent the vertical fin from rotating into the tail rotor, separation of the tail rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 206A and 206B Helicopters

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 206A and 206B helicopters. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The aviation authority of Canada, with which we have a bilateral agreement, states in the MCAI:

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4, 222, 222B, 222U, 230, 407, 427, and 430 Helicopters

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-19-52, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of the specified Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) model helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires replacing each affected tail rotor blade (blade) with an airworthy blade with a serial number not listed in the Rotor Blades, Inc. (RBI), attachment to the BHTC Alert Service Bulletin (ASB), listed in the applicability section of this AD. This amendment is prompted by three incidents in which blade tip weights were slung from blades during flight causing significant vibration. The actions specified are intended to prevent loss of a blade tip weight, loss of a blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 206A and 206B Series Helicopters

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (Bell) Model 206A and 206B series helicopters. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The aviation authority of Canada, with which we have a bilateral agreement, states in the MCAI:

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 206A, B, L, L-1, L-3, and L-4 Helicopters

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) model helicopters. The existing AD currently requires certain inspections and checks of the tail rotor blade (blade) for a deformation, a crack, and a bent or deformed tail rotor weight (weight). Also, that AD requires, before further flight, replacing each blade with an airworthy blade if a deformation, a crack, or a bent or deformed weight is found. This action contains the same actions as the existing AD and also adds to the applicability certain serial-numbered blades inadvertently omitted from the current AD. This action also requires replacing each affected blade, which is a terminating action. This amendment is prompted by three reports of skin cracks originating near the blade trailing edge balance weight. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent blade failure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 206A, A-1, B, B-1, L, L-1, L-3, L-4 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) model helicopters that requires, before the first flight of each day, checking the tail rotor blade (blade) root doublers (doublers) for an edge void or de- bond on both sides of each blade, and if an edge void or de-bond is found, replacing the unairworthy blade with an airworthy blade. This AD also requires replacing any affected serial-numbered blade with an airworthy blade. This amendment is prompted by reports of de-bond of the doublers due to inadequate surface preparation resulting in poor adherence of the doublers. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of a blade, loss of tail rotor control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Model 206A and 206B Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron (Bell) Model 206A and 206B helicopters modified by Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SH1392SO with certain part-numbered high crosstubes. This amendment requires inspecting at specified time intervals and replacing any cracked crosstubes. This amendment is prompted by the discovery of a cracked high forward crosstube. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect a crack in the crosstube which could lead to failure of the crosstube, collapse of the landing gear, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 206A, B, L, L-1, L-3, and L-4 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) model helicopters. This action requires an initial inspection and, at specified intervals, certain repetitive checks and inspections of the tail rotor blade (blade) for a deformation, a crack, and a bent or deformed tail rotor weight (weight). Also, this action requires, before further flight, replacing each blade with an airworthy blade if a deformation, a crack, or a bent or deformed weight is found. This amendment is prompted by three reports of skin cracks originating near the blade trailing edge balance weight. This condition, if not detected, could result in blade failure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 206L-1 and 206L-3 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (Bell) model helicopters that requires a one-time inspection of the adjustable stop screws of the magnetic brake assembly; repairing, as appropriate, certain mechanical damage to the cyclic and collective flight control magnetic brake arm assembly (arm assembly), if necessary; and installing the stop screw with the proper adhesive, adjusting the arm assembly travel and applying slippage marks. This amendment is prompted by reports that the magnetic brake adjustable screws have backed out, which limited travel of the arm assembly. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect loose adjustable stop screws, that could result in limiting the travel of the cyclic and collective arm assembly, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) model helicopters that requires performing a continuity test, temporarily repairing any unairworthy chip detector, and replacing any repaired chip detectors. This amendment is prompted by reports of poor or no continuity between the insert and the chip detector housing on certain chip detectors. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of a chip detector indication, loss of a critical component, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 206L, L-1, L-3, and L-4 Helicopters

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTCL) model helicopters that currently requires removing the horizontal stabilizer supports and inspecting the edges of the tailboom skins around the horizontal stabilizer openings for a crack. This amendment requires checking and inspecting the tailboom for a crack and modifying or replacing the tailboom as necessary. This amendment also provides a terminating action, incorporates a more recent alert service bulletin (ASB), and increases the compliance time for performing the inspections. This amendment is prompted by several reports of cracks found during mandatory inspections. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect a crack in the tailboom skin and to prevent separation of the tailboom and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 206A, 206B, 206A-1, 206B-1, 206L, and 206L-1 Helicopters

This amendment revises an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI) Model 206A, 206B, 206A-1, 206B-1, 206L, and 206L-1 helicopters that currently establishes a retirement life for the main rotor trunnion (trunnion) based on hours time-in-service (TIS). This amendment retains those requirements but revises the AD to remove the trunnion, part number (P/N) 206-011-120- 103, from the applicability. This amendment is prompted by the issuance of another AD for the BHTI Model 206L and 206L-1 helicopters that requires a different method of calculating the retirement life for the trunnions. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the trunnion due to fatigue cracks and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 206L-4 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 206L-4 helicopters that requires installing a high altitude tail rotor static stop yield indicator (indicator) to allow operators to detect excessive bending loads sustained by the tail rotor yoke. A preflight check of the indicator is also required. This amendment is prompted by a determination that a tail rotor yoke with a high altitude rotor system is susceptible to a static and dynamic overload. Static overload could occur after the tail rotor yoke sustains an excessive bending load due to a strike from a ground vehicle. Dynamic overload could occur as a result of a hard landing. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the tail rotor yoke in flight and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 206A, B, L, L1, and L3 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 206A, B, L, L1, and L3 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the collective lever assembly (assembly) for a raised forging boss, inspecting the assembly for adequate clearance between the collective lever and the swashplate outer ring (outer ring), and modifying any assembly with a raised forging boss and inadequate clearance before further flight. Modifying any assembly that has a raised forging boss and adequate clearance would be required before further flight after January 31, 2001. This AD is prompted by the discovery that a raised forging boss could result in control system interference. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent interference between the collective lever and the outer ring, damage to flight controls, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, A Division of Textron Canada, Model 206L, L-1, L-3, and L-4 Helicopters

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron, A Division of Textron Canada (BHTC), Model 206L, L-1, L-3, and L-4 helicopters, that currently requires the creation of a component history card or equivalent record using the Retirement Index Number (RIN) system for certain mast and trunnions and a system for tracking increases to the accumulated RIN. That AD also establishes retirement lives for the mast and trunnion. This amendment requires the same actions required by the existing AD but increases the RIN multiplier for the mast and corrects a helicopter model number. This amendment is prompted by further tests and analyses that indicate the RIN multiplier for the Model 206L-4 helicopters needs to be increased and the discovery of an error in a model designation in the existing AD. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent fatigue failure of the mast or trunnion, which could result in loss of the main rotor system and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 Helicopters

This amendment supersedes an existing priority letter airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters, that currently requires visual inspections and visual checks at specified time intervals, and a fluorescent-penetrant inspection (FPI) for any cracks in the tailboom skins around the horizontal stabilizer openings. Inserting a copy of the priority letter AD into the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) is also required. This amendment revises the inspection procedures and specified time intervals mandated by the priority letter AD. This amendment is prompted by crack growth analysis that indicates the need to detect cracks before they propagate from underneath the horizontal stabilizer supports. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect a crack in the tailboom skin that could result in separation of the tailboom from the helicopter and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 206L-4 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to BHTC Model 206L-4 helicopters. This action requires a reduction in the retirement lives of certain collective idler links and collective levers, and re-identifying certain collective idler links and collective levers. This amendment is prompted by the discovery of two types of collective idler links and collective levers--manufactured from different materials--that are identified with the same part numbers but should have substantially different retirement lives. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent use of a collective idler link (link) or collective lever (lever) beyond its retirement life, which could lead to failure of the link or lever and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, A Division of Textron Canada Ltd. Model 206L, L-1, L-3, and L-4 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron, A Division of Textron Canada Ltd. (BHTC) Model 206L, L-1, L-3, and L-4 helicopters, that requires creation of a component history card using a Retirement Index Number (RIN) system, establishing a system for tracking increases to the accumulated RIN, and a maximum accumulated RIN for certain main rotor masts (masts) and main rotor trunnions (trunnions). This amendment is prompted by fatigue analyses and tests that show certain masts and trunnions fail sooner than originally anticipated because of the unanticipated higher number of external load lifts and takeoffs (torque events) performed with those masts and trunnions in addition to the time-in-service (TIS) accrued under other operating conditions. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent fatigue failure of the mast or trunnion, which could result in loss of the main rotor system and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, a Division of Textron Canada, Ltd. Model 206L-1 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron, a Division of Textron Canada, Ltd. (BHTC) Model 206L-1 helicopters that have a Kratos turbine outlet temperature (TOT) indicator (Kratos indicator) installed, that requires replacing certain Kratos indicators. This amendment is prompted by manufacturer's tests and FAA analyses that show certain Kratos indicators may incorrectly provide low-temperature readings when the battery voltage is below 10 volts. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent false low-temperature indications, which could result in overheating of the engine turbine (turbine) and subsequent thermal fatigue damage to the turbine wheel.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, A Division of Textron Canada Ltd. Model 206L, 206L-1, and 206L-3 Helicopters

This amendment supersedes an existing priority letter airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron, A Division of Textron Canada Ltd. (BHTC) Model 206L, 206L-1, and 206L-3 helicopters, that currently requires a visual inspection of the tailboom skin in the areas around the nutplates and in the areas of the tailboom drive shaft cover retention clips for cracks and corrosion using a 10-power or higher magnifying glass. This amendment requires the same actions as the existing AD, but corrects a part number that was incorrectly stated in that AD. This amendment is prompted by a recent accident and several reports of fatigue cracks in the tailboom skin in the areas around the nutplates for the tail rotor fairing and in the areas of the tail rotor drive shaft cover retention clips. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the tailboom and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, A Division of Textron Canada, Ltd. Model 206A and 206B Helicopters

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron, A Division of Textron Canada, Ltd., (BHTC) Model 206A and 206B helicopters, that currently requires an inspection of the main transmission input driveshaft assembly (driveshaft) at intervals of 300 hours time-in-service (TIS); the application of a zinc chromate primer inspection visual aid; and, daily visual checks of the driveshaft. This amendment requires inspections of the driveshaft at intervals of 300 hours TIS; the application of a self-adhesive temperature indicator visual inspection aid; and, preflight visual owner/operator (pilot) checks of the driveshaft. This amendment is prompted by recent studies that indicate self-adhesive temperature indicators are a more reliable means of detecting overheat conditions on grease-lubricated couplings than the zinc chromate primers currently in use. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the driveshaft due to coupling wear or overheating, which could result in loss of power to the main rotor and a subsequent forced emergency landing.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, a Division of Textron Canada, Model 206B and 206L Helicopters

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron, a Division of Textron Canada (BHT), Model 206B and 206L helicopters, that currently requires a revision to the Limitations section of the FAA-approved Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement (RFMS) until replacement of the engine power-out warning sensor on BHT Model 206B and 206L helicopters equipped with Allison 250-C20R engines in accordance with certain supplemental type certificates. This amendment requires a revision to the Limitations section of the STC RFMS, but removes the requirement for replacement of the engine power-out warning sensor. This amendment is prompted by a reevaluation of the need for an engine power-out warning sensor based on the lack of reported operational occurrences of the false engine-out warnings. The actions specified by this AD are intended to maintain a heightened pilot awareness that false engine-out warnings may occur when practicing autorotations and could result in an unnecessary emergency autorotative landing.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters, that requires removal and replacement of certain crosstube assemblies (crosstubes). This amendment is prompted by two accidents attributed to crosstube failures and 27 field reports that indicated corrosion or metal fatigue may cause a failure of the affected crosstubes. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the crosstubes and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, and 206L-3 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI) Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, and 206L-3 helicopters, that requires installing a protective mechanical fuel valve switch guard on the fuel valve switch. This amendment is prompted by reports of airmen inadvertently placing the fuel valve switch to the ``OFF'' position. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the fuel valve switch from being inadvertently placed in the ``OFF'' position, which could result in an engine failure and a subsequent power-off landing.