AD 2001-03-03 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 214B and 214B-1 Helicopters

Models named: 214B, 214B-1. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 214B and 214B-1 helicopters, with a main rotor outboard strap fitting assembly (strap fitting), part number (P/N) 214-010-185-107, installed, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of a strap fitting, separation of a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: Note 2: Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin 214-00-62 dated June 2, 2000, pertains to the subject of this AD. (a) By referring to the helicopter maintenance records, create a component history card or equivalent record for each strap fitting, and record the hours TIS and serial number. (1) If the hours TIS cannot be determined, replace the strap fitting with an airworthy strap fitting before further flight. (2) If the strap fitting has accumulated 2,500 or more hours TIS, replace it with an airworthy strap fitting before further flight. (b) After accomplishing paragraph (a) of this AD, continue to record the subsequent hours TIS. (c) This AD revises the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual by establishing a life limit of 2,500 hours TIS for the strap fitting, P/N 214-010-185-107. (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Certification Office. (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (f) This amendment becomes effective on February 28, 2001. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 1, 2001. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-3179 Filed 2-12-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U