AD 2001-13-01 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412EP, and 412CF Helicopters

Models named: 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412EP, 412CF. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412EP, and 412CF helicopters, 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 (f) 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.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of the tail rotor counterweight bellcrank (bellcrank) retention nut, which could result in the bellcrank migrating off the crosshead spindle, loss of tail rotor control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) For Model 205A-1 helicopters: (1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, remove the two existing retention nuts retaining the bellcranks, part number (P/N) 212-010-709-001 or 212-011-705-001, and install zero hours TIS retention nuts, P/N MS14145L6 or MS17826-6, in accordance with paragraphs (1) through (5) of the Accomplishment Instructions in Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 205-00-77, Revision A, September 13, 2000 (205A-1 ASB). A used nut may not be installed. (2) At intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS after accomplishing paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, inspect the retention nuts and corrosion preventive compound (CPC) coating in accordance with paragraph (6) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the 205A-1 ASB. Reapply the CPC coating if deficiencies are found in the coverage and protection of the area. Replace any retention nut with any corrosion, mechanical damage, a crack, or looseness with an airworthy new retention nut before further flight. (b) For Model 205B helicopters: (1) Within 100 hours TIS or 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, remove the two existing retention nuts retaining the bellcranks, P/N 212-011-705-001, and install retention nuts, P/N MS14145L6 or MS17826-6, in accordance with paragraphs (1) through (5) of the Accomplishment Instructions in Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. ASB 205B-00-31, Revision A, dated September 13, 2000 (205B ASB). A used nut may not be installed. (2) At intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS after accomplishing paragraph (b)(1) of this AD, inspect the retention nuts and CPC coating in accordance with paragraph (6) of the Accomplishment Instructions in the 205B ASB. Reapply the CPC coating if deficiencies are found in the coverage and protection of the area. Replace any retention nut with any corrosion, mechanical damage, a crack, or looseness with an airworthy new retention nut before further flight. (c) For Model 212 helicopters: (1) Within 100 hours TIS or 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, remove the two existing retention nuts retaining the bellcranks, P/N 212-010-709-001 or 212-011-705-001, and install retention nuts, P/N MS14145L6 or MS17826-6, in accordance with paragraphs (1) through (5) of the Accomplishment Instructions in Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 212-00-107, Revision A, dated September 13, 2000 (212 ASB). A used retention nut may not be installed. (2) At intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS after accomplishing paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, inspect the retention nuts and CPC coating in accordance with paragraph (6) of the Accomplishment Instructions in the 212 ASB. Reapply the CPC coating if deficiencies are found in the coverage and protection of the area. Replace any retention nut with any corrosion, mechanical damage, a crack, or looseness with an airworthy new nut before further flight. (d) For Model 412 or 412EP helicopters: (1) Within 100 hours TIS or 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, remove the two existing retention nuts retaining the bellcranks, P/N 212-011-705-001, and install retention nuts, P/N MS14145L6 or MS17826-6, in accordance with paragraphs (1) through (5) of the Accomplishment Instructions in Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. ASB 412-00-102, Revision A, dated September 13, 2000 (412 ASB). A used nut may not be installed. (2) At intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS after accomplishing paragraph (d)(1) of this AD, inspect the retention nuts and CPC coating in accordance with paragraph (6) of the Accomplishment Instructions in the 412 ASB. Reapply the CPC coating if deficiencies are found in the coverage and protection of the area. Replace any retention nut with any corrosion, mechanical damage, a crack, or looseness with an airworthy new retention nut before further flight. (e) For Model 412CF helicopters: (1) Within 100 hours TIS or 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, remove the two existing retention nuts retaining the bellcranks, P/N 212-011-705-001, and install retention nuts, P/N MS14145L6 or MS17826-6, in accordance with paragraphs (1) through (5) of the Accomplishment Instructions in Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. ASB 412CF-00-10, Revision A, September 13, 2000 (412CF ASB). A used nut may not be installed. (2) At intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS after accomplishing paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, inspect the retention nuts and CPC coating in accordance with paragraph (6) of the Accomplishment Instructions in the 412CF ASB. Reapply the CPC coating if deficiencies are found in the coverage and protection of the area. Replace any retention nut with any corrosion, mechanical damage, a crack, or looseness with an airworthy new nut before further flight. (f) 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Certification Office. (g) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (h) The modifications and inspections shall be done in accordance with paragraphs (1) through (6) of the Accomplishment Instructions in the following Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Alert Service Bulletins: No. 205-00-77, Revision A, dated September 13, 2000; No. 205B-00-31, Revision A, dated September 13, 2000; No. 212-00-107, Revision A, dated September 13, 2000; No. 412-00-102, Revision A, dated September 13, 2000; or No. 412CF-00-10, Revision A, September 13, 2000, as applicable. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, Texas 76101, telephone (817) 280-3391, fax (817) 280-6466. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (i) This amendment becomes effective on August 1, 2001. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 13, 2001. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-15794 Filed 6-26-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U