AD 2001-19-52 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 222, 222B, 222U, and 230 Helicopters

Models named: 230, S/N 23001 through 23038. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 222, serial number (S/N) 47006 through 47089; Model 222B, S/N 47131 through 47156; Model 222U, S/N 47501 through 47574; and Model 230, S/N 23001 through 23038 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 (b) 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 25 hours time-in-service or 3 months, whichever occurs first, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of a main rotor pendulum weight support (support), loss of a weight set resulting in main rotor vibration, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Remove from service all supports, part number 222-011-114-103, identified with a serial number having the prefix “HD” and replace with airworthy supports that do not have the S/N prefix “HD.” Note 2: Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Alert Service Bulletins 222-01-91, 222U-01-62, and 230-01-24, all dated May 18, 2001, pertain to the subject of this AD. (b) 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, Regulations Group, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Regulations Group. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Regulations Group. (c) 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. (d) Emergency AD 2001-19-52, issued September 21, 2001, becomes effective upon receipt. Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada (Canada) AD CF-2001-28, dated July 24, 2001. (e) This amendment becomes effective on October 30, 2001, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2001-19-52, issued September 21, 2001, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 4, 2001. Mark R. Schilling, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-25692 Filed 10-12-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U