AD 99-23-04 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 helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 47006 through 47089; Model 222B helicopters, S/N 47131 through 47156, and Model 222U helicopters, S/N 47501 through 47574, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 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 (e) 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 as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent loss of torque of the vertical fin attachment bolts (bolts), which could lead to fracture of the bolts, separation of the vertical fin from the helicopter, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter accomplish the following: (a) Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS), verify the torque on the bolts in accordance with Part I of the Accomplishment Instructions in Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 222-98-82, Revision A (applicable to Model 222 and Model 222B helicopters), or ASB No. 222U-98-53, Revision A (applicable to Model 222U helicopters), both dated June 9, 1998. (b) On or before the next 150 hour TIS inspection, inspect the vertical fin fitting and tailboom fitting for cracks, elongated bolt holes, distortion and corrosion in accordance with Part II of the Accomplishment Instructions in ASB No. 222-98-82, Revision A (applicable to Model 222 and Model 222B helicopters), or ASB No. 222U-98-53, Revision A, (applicable to Model 222U helicopters), both dated June 9, 1998. If bolt holes are elongated, modify the vertical fin fitting and tailboom fitting in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in Bell Helicopter Textron Technical Bulletin (TB) No. 222-98-156 (applicable to Model 222 and 222B helicopters), or TB No. 222U-98-84 (applicable to Model 222U helicopters), both dated June 17, 1998. (c) After the inspection required by paragraph (b) and after at least 5 hours TIS but within 10 hours TIS, re-verify the torque on the bolts in accordance with Part III, Special Inspections, Step 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions in ASB No. 222-98-82, Revision A (applicable to Model 222 and Model 222B helicopters), or ASB No. 222U-98-53, Revision A, (applicable to Model 222U helicopters), both dated June 9, 1998. (d) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 150 hours TIS, verify the torque of the vertical fin attachment bolts in accordance with the 150 flight hour, Part III, Scheduled Inspections of the Accomplishment Instructions in the ASB No. 222-98-82, Revision A (applicable to Model 222 and Model 222B helicopters), or ASB No. 222U-98-53, Revision A, (applicable to Model 222U helicopters), both dated June 9, 1998. (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 Standards Staff, 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, Rotorcraft Standards Staff. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Standards Staff. (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) The inspections shall be done in accordance with Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin No. 222-98-82, Revision A (applicable to Model 222 and Model 222B helicopters), or Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin 222U-98-53, Revision A (applicable to Model 222U helicopters), both dated June 9, 1998; and Bell Helicopter Textron Technical Bulletin No. 222-98-156 (applicable to Model 222 and 222B helicopters), or Bell Helicopter Textron Technical Bulletin No. 222U-98-84 (applicable to Model 222U helicopters), both dated June 17, 1998. These incorporations by reference were 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 JON1LO, telephone (800) 463-3036, fax (514) 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. (h) This amendment becomes effective on November 19, 1999. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada (Canada) AD CF-98-21, dated August 7, 1998. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 26, 1999. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-28653 Filed 11-3-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P