AD 97-15-04 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 214B, 214B-1, and 214ST Helicopters

Models named: 214B, 214B-1, 214ST. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 214B, 214B-1, and 214ST helicopters with main transmission upper planetary carrier (carrier), part number (P/ N) 214-040-077-007 or -101, installed, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been [[Page 37711]] 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 use the authority provided in paragraph (e) to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any helicopter from the applicability of this AD.

Required within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, unless accomplished previously. To prevent fatigue failure of the carrier, which could result in failure of the main transmission and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Create a component history card or equivalent record for the carrier, P/N 214-040-077-007 or -101. (b) Determine and record the accumulated Retirement Index Number (RIN) to date on the carrier as follows (if the multiplication results in a fraction, round the results up to the next whole number): (1) For Model 214B or B-1 helicopters: (i) Multiply the high-power event total to date by 2, or (ii) If the actual operating hours are known, and: (A) If the type of operation is internal load lift operations only, multiply each operating hour by 7; (B) If the type of operation involves any external load lift operations and the number of external load lift operations is known, use the table below and multiply the appropriate factor for the average number of external load lift operations by the number of actual operating hours: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Average number of external load lift operations per hour Factor ------------------------------------------------------------------\1\--- 0-2.00....................................................... 7 2.01-5.00.................................................... 7 5.01-16.00................................................... 14 16.01-27.00.................................................. 21 above 27.00.................................................. 28 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ \1\ RIN = Factor x Actual Operating Hours. (C) If the type of operation involves any external load lift operations and the number of external load lift operations is unknown, multiply each actual operating hour by 21; or (D) If the type of operation is unknown, multiply each actual operating hour by 21. (iii) If the actual operating hours are unknown, assume 900 operating hours per calendar year. Prorate the assumed operating hours for partial years. (A) If the type of operation is internal only, multiply the assumed operating hours by 7. (B) If the type of operation involves any external load lift operations and the number of external load lift operations is known, use the table in paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(B) and multiply the appropriate factor for the average number of external load lift operations by the number of assumed operating hours. (C) If the type of operation involves any external load lift operations and the number of external load lift operations is unknown, multiply each assumed operating hour by 21. (D) If the type of operation is unknown, multiply each assumed operating hour by 21. (2) For Model 214ST helicopters: (i) Multiply the high-power event total to-date by 2, or (ii) Multiply the factored flight hour total to-date by 12. Note 2: BHTI Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 214-94-52, which is applicable to Model 214B helicopters, and ASB 214ST-94-66, which is applicable to Model 214ST helicopters, both of which are dated November 7, 1994, pertain to this subject. (c) After compliance with paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD, and during each operation thereafter, maintain a count of each lift or takeoff performed and at the end of each day's operations, increase the accumulated RIN on the component history card or equivalent record as follows: (1) For Model 214B and 214B-1 helicopters, (i) Increase the RIN by 1 for each takeoff. (ii) Increase the RIN by 1 for each external load lift operation; or, increase the RIN by 2 for each external load lift operation in which the load is picked up at a higher elevation and released at a lower elevation, and the difference in the elevation between the pick up point and the release point is 200 feet or greater. (2) For Model 214ST helicopters, (i) Increase the RIN by 2 for each takeoff. (ii) Increase the RIN by 2 for each external load lift operation; or, increase the RIN by 4 for each external load lift in which the load is picked up at a higher elevation and released at a lower elevation and the difference in elevation between the pick up point and the release point is 200 feet or greater. (d) Remove the carrier, P/N's 214-040-077-007 or -101, from service on or before attaining an accumulated RIN of 120,000. The carrier is no longer retired based upon flight hours. This AD revises the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual by establishing a new retirement life for the carrier of 120,000 RIN. (e) 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, Rotorcraft Certification Office, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Certification Office. (f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (g) This amendment becomes effective on August 19, 1997. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 8, 1997. Larry M. Kelly, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-18499 Filed 7-14-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U