AD 2008-16-16 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 230 Helicopters

Models named: 230. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 230 helicopters, certificated in any category. Reason (d) This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of Canada which indicates that the existing rigging procedures for the tail rotor pitch change mechanism have to be changed due to the possibility of parts interference. This “possibility of parts interference” occurs because the cumulative effect of the tolerances on the various parts may result in the total assemblage outboard of the counterweight bellcrank being out of tolerance and the tail rotor yoke may contact nut, part number (P/N) 222-012-737-001, before contacting the flapping stop. Further, the manufacturer has indicated that the tail rotor counterweight bellcranks may be misaligned, resulting in higher tail rotor pedal forces and higher pilot workload after failure of the No. 1 hydraulic system. Both the parts interference and the higher pedal forces constitute unsafe conditions.

Within the next 150 hours time-in-service (TIS) or at the next annual inspection, whichever occurs first, unless already done, do the following: (1) Adjust the rigging of the tail rotor pitch change mechanism in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 1 and 2, in Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin 230-07-36, dated January 9, 2007 (ASB). (2) If either at full left pedal position or full right pedal position a gap exists between the tail rotor yoke and the flapping stop, replace the tail rotor yoke with an airworthy tail rotor yoke. (3) If no gap exists between the tail rotor yoke and the flapping stop at either full right or full left pedal position, measure the gap between the tail rotor yoke and nut, P/N 222-012-731-001, adjust the tail rotor pitch change mechanism, and adjust the tail rotor pedal forces in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 4. through 6. of the ASB. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI (f) This AD requires compliance within the next 150 hours TIS or at the next annual inspection, whichever occurs first, instead of “at the next 150 hour or annual inspection but no later than 31 December 2007.” Other Information (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Tyrone Millard, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5439, fax (817) 222-5961. Related Information (h) MCAI Transport Canada Airworthiness Directive CF-2007-12, dated August 24, 2007, contains related information. Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Tracking Code (i) ATA Code JASC 6720, Tail Rotor Control System, Tail Rotor Pitch Change. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use the specified portions of Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin 230-07-36, dated January 9, 2007, to do the actions required. (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 July 27, 2008. Mark R. Schilling, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-17990 Filed 8-8-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Within the next 150 hours time-in-service (TIS) or at the next annual inspection, whichever occurs first, unless already done, do the following: (1) Adjust the rigging of the tail rotor pitch change mechanism in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 1 and 2, in Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin 230-07-36, dated January 9, 2007 (ASB). (2) If either at full left pedal position or full right pedal position a gap exists between the tail rotor yoke and the flapping stop, replace the tail rotor yoke with an airworthy tail rotor yoke. (3) If no gap exists between the tail rotor yoke and the flapping stop at either full right or full left pedal position, measure the gap between the tail rotor yoke and nut, P/N 222-012-731-001, adjust the tail rotor pitch change mechanism, and adjust the tail rotor pedal forces in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 4. through 6. of the ASB. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI (f) This AD requires compliance within the next 150 hours TIS or at the next annual inspection, whichever occurs first, instead of “at the next 150 hour or annual inspection but no later than 31 December 2007.” Other Information (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Tyrone Millard, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5439, fax (817) 222-5961. Related Information (h) MCAI Transport Canada Airworthiness Directive CF-2007-12, dated August 24, 2007, contains related information. Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Tracking Code (i) ATA Code JASC 6720, Tail Rotor Control System, Tail Rotor Pitch Change. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use the specified portions of Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin 230-07-36, dated January 9, 2007, to do the actions required. (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 July 27, 2008. Mark R. Schilling, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-17990 Filed 8-8-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P