AD 2003-13-13 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 222, 222B, and 222U Helicopters

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

Model 222, 222B, and 222U helicopters, with a magnetic brake, part number (P/N) 204-001-376-105 or -107, installed, that was manufactured by Memcor Truohm, Inc. as P/N MP498-105 or -107, 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 within 100 hours time in service and before installation of any affected magnetic brake, unless accomplished previously. To detect loose adjustable stop screws that could result in limiting the travel of the cyclic and collective arm assembly, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter: (a) Inspect and, if necessary, repair, adjust, and apply slippage marks to the magnetic brake assembly in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 5. through 11. in Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 222-01-87, applicable to Model 222 and 222B helicopters, or ASB No. 222U-01-58, applicable to Model 222U helicopters, both dated January 19, 2001, except if damage to the arm assembly exceeds 0.030 inch (0.762 mm), replace the magnetic brake assembly with an airworthy magnetic brake assembly. Contacting the manufacturer is not required. (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, Safety Management 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, Safety Management Group. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Safety Management 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 actions referenced in paragraph (a) of this AD shall be done in accordance with Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 222-01-87, applicable to Model 222 and 222B helicopters, or ASB No. 222U-01-58, applicable to Model 222U helicopters, both dated January 19, 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 Canada, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4. 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 August 12, 2003. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada (Canada) AD CF-2002-17, dated March 4, 2002. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 20, 2003. David A. Downey, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-16688 Filed 7-7-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P