Bell 230

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 Helicopter Textron Canada Helicopters

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-19-51 for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (Bell) Model 222, 222B, 222U, 230, and 430 helicopters. AD 2010-19-51 required inspecting parts of the main rotor hydraulic servo actuator (servo actuator) for certain conditions and replacing any unairworthy parts before further flight. This new AD requires installing a servo actuator with a new stainless steel piston rod. This AD was prompted by a collective servo actuator malfunction. We are issuing this AD to detect corrosion on a piston rod, which could result in failure of the servo actuator and consequent loss of helicopter control.

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

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Model 230 helicopters. This AD requires installing a placard on the instrument panel 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, which were caused by excessive vibrations at certain engine speeds during steady-state operations. These actions are intended to alert pilots to avoid certain engine speeds during steady-state operations, prevent failure of the third stage engine turbine, 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 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 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 222, 222B, 222U, 230, and 430 Helicopters

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) helicopters, that currently requires certain checks and inspections of the tail rotor blades. If a crack is found, the existing AD requires replacing the tail rotor blade (blade) with an airworthy blade before further flight. This amendment requires the same checks and inspections of the blades until they are required to be replaced and removes certain serial numbered and specifically coded blades from the applicability of the AD. This amendment is prompted by the approved rework of certain blades and two newly redesigned blades, which, if installed, constitute terminating action for the inspection requirements. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect a crack in a blade, and to prevent loss of a blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 222, 222B, 222U, 230, and 430 Helicopters

We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (Bell) Model 222, 222B, 222U, 230, and 430 helicopters. That AD currently requires visually inspecting the main rotor hydraulic actuator support (support) to verify the presence of all dowel pins and sealant between the support and transmission and verifying the proper torque of each attaching nut (nut). This AD requires the same actions as the existing AD and also requires repetitive actions at intervals not to exceed 600 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 12 months, whichever occurs first. This AD is prompted by the discovery that a 12-month compliance requirement was correctly included in an Emergency AD (EAD) that we issued but was inadvertently omitted when we published the Final rule; request for comments following the issuance of the EAD. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the support and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 230 Helicopters

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for BHTC Model 230 helicopters. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of Canada which indicates that the existing rigging procedures for the tail rotor pitch change mechanism have to be changed due to the possibility of parts interference. The cumulative effect of individual part tolerances resulting in the total assemblage of those parts being out of tolerance could result in the tail rotor yoke striking another part other than the flapping stop (parts interference) as cited in the MCAI. Also, the misalignment of the tail rotor counterweight bellcrank may result in higher tail rotor pedal forces and a higher pilot workload after failure of the No. 1 hydraulic system. Both parts interference and the misaligned counterweight bellcrank create an unsafe condition. This AD requires actions that are intended to address these unsafe conditions.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 222, 222B, 222U, 230 and 430 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 222, 222B, 222U, 230 and 430 helicopters that requires rewiring and testing the fuel valve switch on each engine and testing the ignitor system. This amendment is prompted by an in-flight incident in which a fuel valve switch failed, causing the fuel valve to inadvertently close. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent interruption of the fuel supply caused by failure of the fuel switch, which could result in loss of engine power and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

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 222, 222B, 222U, 230, and 430 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) model helicopters. This action requires initial and repetitive inspections of each tail rotor counterweight bellcrank (bellcrank) with a specified part number and serial number. If external damage, a crack, roughness, or looseness between the bearing set and bellcrank is found or if bearing set axial play exceeds 0.015 inch, this action requires replacing the bellcrank with an airworthy bellcrank with two prefix letters in the serial number. This amendment is prompted by reports of failure and subsequent loss of a weighted portion of the bellcrank and reports of certain replacement bellcranks having design flaws. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent bellcrank failure, loss of a weighted portion of the bellcrank, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 222, 222B, 222U, 230, and 430 Helicopters

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) model helicopters that currently requires certain checks and inspections of the tail rotor blades. If a crack is found, the existing AD requires replacing the tail rotor blade (blade) with an airworthy blade before further flight. This amendment requires the same checks and inspections as the existing AD, but expands the applicability with the addition of two BHTC Model 430 helicopter serial numbers. This amendment is prompted by the manufacturer issuing revised service information that includes the additional two serial numbers. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect a crack in the blade, and to prevent loss of a blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, A Division of Textron Canada Model 222, 222B, 222U and 230 Helicopters

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron, A Division of Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 222, 222B, 222U, and 230 helicopters, that currently requires a visual check of each main rotor grip (grip) and pitch horn assembly without disassembling the main rotor hub assembly (hub assembly), and a visual inspection at specified intervals of each affected grip and pitch horn assembly for a crack using a 10-power or higher magnifying glass. If a crack is found, the existing AD requires replacing each unairworthy grip or pitch horn with an airworthy part before further flight. This amendment requires those same actions, and also requires an additional inspection of the grip and pitch horn assembly for a crack in the disassembled hub assembly, and replacing any cracked part with an airworthy part. This amendment is prompted by the determination that an additional enhanced inspection is needed to ensure the integrity of the hub assembly. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the grip or pitch horn and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 222, 222B, 222U, 230, and 430 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Bell Helicopter Textron (BHTC) model helicopters. This action requires certain checks and inspections of the tail rotor blades. If a crack is found, before further flight, this AD requires replacing the tail rotor blade (blade) with an airworthy blade. This amendment is prompted by three reports of cracked blades found during scheduled inspections. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect a crack in the blade and prevent loss of a blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 222, 222B, 222U, and 230 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) model helicopters that requires certain inspections of the main rotor yoke (yoke) for a crack, fretting, or buffer deterioration. If a crack is found, the AD requires replacing the yoke with an airworthy yoke before further flight. If fretting or buffer deterioration are found, the AD requires further inspecting the main rotor hub assembly (hub assembly) and repairing or replacing any unairworthy parts. Also, the AD requires a torque inspection of the flapping bearing retaining nuts at specified intervals. This amendment is prompted by the discovery of a crack in a yoke. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the yoke and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 222, 222B, 222U, and 230 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 222, 222B, 222U, and 230 helicopters. This action requires inspecting the main rotor pendulum weight support (pendulum weight support) for file or grinding marks, gouges, and appropriate edge breaks. It also requires, if necessary, reworking and remarking or replacing the pendulum weight support. Regardless, this AD requires a magnetic particle inspection for a crack and replacing the pendulum weight support if a crack is found. This amendment is prompted by a pendulum weight support failure and shedding of the pendulum weight set in flight and a subsequent determination of manufacturing defects on certain serial-numbered pendulum weight supports. This condition, if not corrected, could result in the pendulum weights separating from the pendulum weight support and striking the vertical fin or tail rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, A Division of Textron Canada Model 222, 222B, 222U, 230, and 430 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Bell Helicopter Textron, A Division of Textron Canada (BHTC), model helicopters that requires removing sealant from the forward tooling hole in the right-hand upper fuel enclosure area. This amendment is prompted by the determination that fuel or water could accumulate in the right-hand upper fuel enclosure. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent accumulation of fuel in the right-hand upper fuel enclosure area, a fire, and a subsequent forced landing.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 222, 222B, 222U, and 230 Helicopters

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) 2002-08-54, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of the specified Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) model helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires a visual check of each main rotor grip assembly (grip) and pitch horn at specified intervals and a visual inspection using a 10-power or higher magnifying glass of each affected grip and pitch horn for a crack at specified intervals. If a crack is found, this AD requires replacing each unairworthy grip or pitch horn with an airworthy part before further flight. This AD is prompted by three reports each of a fatigue crack in the grip and pitch horn found during routine inspection of the rotor head. This condition, if not detected, could result in failure of the grip or pitch horn and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 222, 222B, 222U, and 230 Helicopters

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2001-19-52 which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 222, 222B, 222U, and 230 helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires removing certain serial-numbered main rotor pendulum weight supports from service and replacing with airworthy main rotor pendulum weight supports. This AD is prompted by the failure of a main rotor pendulum weight support (support) resulting in shedding of the weights and an increased level of main rotor vibration. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of a support, loss of a weight set resulting in main rotor vibration, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 222, 222B, 222U, 230, and 430 Helicopters

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2001-01-51, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 222, 222B, 222U, 230, and 430 helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires visually inspecting the main rotor hydraulic actuator support (support) to verify the presence of all dowel pins and sealant between the support and transmission and verifying the proper torque of each attaching nut (nut). This amendment is prompted by the failure of a support resulting in an accident of a BHTC Model 222U helicopter. All retaining studs and shear pins were found sheared or pulled out at the junction between the support and the transmission case. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the support and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 222, 222B, 222U, and 230 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for BHTC Model 222, 222B, 222U, and 230 helicopters that requires inspecting each flapping bearing to yoke attachment bolt (bolt) and replacing each bolt that shows thread damage, shank wear, or corrosion pitting with an airworthy bolt. This amendment is prompted by the discovery of a fractured bolt during a post-flight inspection. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent a fracture of a bolt, failure of the bearing and yoke interface, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 222, 222B, 222U, and 230 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 222, 222B, 222U, and 230 helicopters. This action requires inspecting the swashplate assembly drive pin (drive pin) for damage or looseness, torque testing to determine if the interference fit between the drive pin and rotating ring (ring) is adequate, and replacing any unairworthy drive pin. This amendment is prompted by an accident investigation that revealed fatigue failure of a drive pin. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent fatigue failure of a drive pin and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 230 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 230 helicopters. This action requires verifying the torque on the vertical fin attachment bolts (bolts); inspecting the vertical fin and tailboom fittings for cracks, elongation of bolt holes, distortion and corrosion; and re-verifying the torque on the bolts after inspecting the fittings. This amendment is prompted by a report of a loose vertical fin, which was discovered during a post-flight inspection. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent loss of torque of the bolts, which could lead to fracture of the bolts, separation of the vertical fin from the helicopter, and loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 230 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to BHTC Model 230 helicopters. This action requires initial and repetitive visual inspections and verification of the torque of the bolts on the main rotor hub. This amendment is prompted by a report of fatigue cracks around the bolt holes of the main rotor pitch horn (pitch horn) and a cracked main rotor flapping bearing assembly (flapping bearing assembly) on a similar model helicopter. This condition, if not corrected, could result in fretting-induced fatigue cracking of the flapping bearing assembly and around the bolt holes of the pitch horn, loss of the rotor system, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, A Division of Textron Canada Ltd. Model 222, 222B, 222U, and 230 Helicopters

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD) 96-01-08, which superseded Priority Letter AD 95-23-02, both of which were applicable to certain serial-numbered Bell Helicopter Textron, A Division of Textron Canada Ltd. (BHT) Model 222, 222B, 222U, and 230 helicopters, that currently requires an initial check of both surfaces of each tail rotor blade (blade) for cracks; an inspection of the blade skin if a crack of a specified size or location is found in the paint; and replacement of the blade if a crack is found in the blade skin. This AD requires the same actions as required by the existing AD, but expands the applicability to include additional blade part numbers (P/N). This amendment is prompted by three incidents in which a crack developed in the stainless steel blade skins due to sanding marks on the blades that occurred during the manufacturing process on BHT Model 230 helicopters, which are similar in design to the Model 222, 222B and 222U helicopters. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of a blade due to a fatigue crack, loss of the tail rotor and tail rotor gear box, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.