AD 2002-20-02 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, A Division of Textron Canada Model 222, 222B, 222U, 230, and 430 Helicopters

Models named: 222, 222B, 222U, 230, 430. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 222 helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 47006 through 47089; Model 222B helicopters, S/N 47131 through 47156; Model 222U helicopters, S/N 47501 through 47574; Model 230 helicopters, S/N 23001 through 23038; and Model 430 helicopters, S/N 49001 through 49079, 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.

Required at the next annual or 100-hour inspection, whichever occurs first, unless accomplished previously. To prevent accumulation of fuel in the right-hand upper fuel enclosure area, a fire, and a subsequent forced landing, accomplish the following: (a) Remove the sealant from the forward tooling hole in the right-hand upper fuel enclosure area in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 222-01-89, for the Model 222 helicopters and Model 222B helicopters; ASB No. 222U-01-60, for the Model 222U helicopters; ASB No. 230-01-20, for the Model 230 helicopters; and ASB No. 430-01-21, for the Model 430 helicopters, all dated February 7, 2001. (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, 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, Regulations Group. Note 2: 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) The sealant removal shall be done in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 222-01-89, for the Model 222 helicopters and Model 222B helicopters; ASB No. 222U-01-60, for the Model 222U helicopters; ASB No. 230-01-20, for the Model 230 helicopters; and ASB No. 430-01-21, for the Model 430 helicopters, all dated February 7, 2001. 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, A Division of Textron Canada, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4, telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023, fax (450) 433-0272. 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. (e) This amendment becomes effective on November 7, 2002. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada (Canada) AD No. CF-2001-22, dated May 24, 2001. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 20, 2002. Eric D. Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-24991 Filed 10-2-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P