AD 2008-14-03 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 Helicopters

Models named: 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters, with an upper left-hand tailboom attachment CRES steel fitting, part number (P/N) 407-030-750-103, installed, certificated in any category. Reason (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: “It has been determined that some helicopters have been fitted with a CRES steel fitting, part number (P/N) 407-030-750-103, and the installation of the tailboom attachment bolt does not meet the design criteria.” We have determined that an improper installation of the tailboom attachment bolt in the upper left-hand tailboom attachment CRES steel fitting, P/N 407-030-750-103, creates an unsafe condition.

Within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless already done, do the following: (1) For those helicopters with an upper left-hand CRES tailboom attachment fitting, P/N 407-030-750-103, determine if the correct number and type of washers are installed, the tailboom attachment bolt is oriented in the correct direction, and the correct number of bolt threads are exposed in accordance with the NOTES on Figure 1 of the applicable Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) in the following Table I. Table I Model ASB No. and date 206A, 206B 206-06-110, dated September 7, 2006. 206L, L-1, L-3, L-4 206L-06-140, dated September 7, 2006. (i) If the correct number and type of washers are installed, the tailboom attachment bolt is oriented in the correct direction, and the correct number of tailboom attachment bolt threads is exposed, do a torque inspection of the nut. (A) If the torque is below the minimum required amount, replace the tailboom attachment bolt in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part II, step 1 of the applicable ASB listed in Table I of this AD. (B) If the torque is above the maximum amount, adjust the torque to within the allowable range. (ii) If an incorrect number or type of washer is installed or the tailboom attachment bolt is oriented in the wrong direction, reconfigure as necessary to meet the requirements of the NOTES on Figure 1 of the applicable ASB listed in Table I of this AD. (iii) If there is less than 1 tailboom attachment bolt thread exposed, adjust the number of washers and retorque the nut so that between 1 and 3 tailboom attachment bolt threads are exposed at the proper nut torque. (iv) If more than 3 tailboom attachment bolt threads are exposed, replace the attachment bolt in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part II, step 1 of the applicable ASB listed in Table 1 of this AD. (2) If a tailboom attachment bolt must be replaced based on a requirement of this AD, at 100 hours TIS after the tailboom attachment bolt is replaced, do a torque inspection of the nut. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD (f) None. Other Information (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, ATTN: Sharon Miles, Aerospace Engineer; Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-5961. Related Information (h) MCAI Transport Canada Airworthiness Directive CF-2007-01, dated January 19, 2007, contains related information. Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Tracking Code (i) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 5340, Fuselage Main, Attach Fittings. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use the specified portions of Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin No. 206-06-110 or No. 206L-06-140, both dated September 7, 2006, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4, telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023, fax (450) 433-0272. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html . Issued in Fort Worth, Texas on June 12, 2008. Lance T. Gant, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-14736 Filed 7-9-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless already done, do the following: (1) For those helicopters with an upper left-hand CRES tailboom attachment fitting, P/N 407-030-750-103, determine if the correct number and type of washers are installed, the tailboom attachment bolt is oriented in the correct direction, and the correct number of bolt threads are exposed in accordance with the NOTES on Figure 1 of the applicable Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) in the following Table I. Table I Model ASB No. and date 206A, 206B 206-06-110, dated September 7, 2006. 206L, L-1, L-3, L-4 206L-06-140, dated September 7, 2006. (i) If the correct number and type of washers are installed, the tailboom attachment bolt is oriented in the correct direction, and the correct number of tailboom attachment bolt threads is exposed, do a torque inspection of the nut. (A) If the torque is below the minimum required amount, replace the tailboom attachment bolt in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part II, step 1 of the applicable ASB listed in Table I of this AD. (B) If the torque is above the maximum amount, adjust the torque to within the allowable range. (ii) If an incorrect number or type of washer is installed or the tailboom attachment bolt is oriented in the wrong direction, reconfigure as necessary to meet the requirements of the NOTES on Figure 1 of the applicable ASB listed in Table I of this AD. (iii) If there is less than 1 tailboom attachment bolt thread exposed, adjust the number of washers and retorque the nut so that between 1 and 3 tailboom attachment bolt threads are exposed at the proper nut torque. (iv) If more than 3 tailboom attachment bolt threads are exposed, replace the attachment bolt in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part II, step 1 of the applicable ASB listed in Table 1 of this AD. (2) If a tailboom attachment bolt must be replaced based on a requirement of this AD, at 100 hours TIS after the tailboom attachment bolt is replaced, do a torque inspection of the nut. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD (f) None. Other Information (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, ATTN: Sharon Miles, Aerospace Engineer; Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-5961. Related Information (h) MCAI Transport Canada Airworthiness Directive CF-2007-01, dated January 19, 2007, contains related information. Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Tracking Code (i) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 5340, Fuselage Main, Attach Fittings. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use the specified portions of Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin No. 206-06-110 or No. 206L-06-140, both dated September 7, 2006, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4, telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023, fax (450) 433-0272. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html . Issued in Fort Worth, Texas on June 12, 2008. Lance T. Gant, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-14736 Filed 7-9-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P