Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13923 · Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 222, 222B, 222U, 230, and 430 Helicopters
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 222, 222B, 222U, 230, and 430 Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2005-04-09. Comply with the one in force.
The following helicopter models, identified by serial number and with the following part number (P/N) tail rotor blade (blade), installed, certificated in any category.
| Model | Serial No. | Blade P/N |
|---|---|---|
| 222 | 47006 through 47089 | 222-016-001-123, -127, -131, and -135. |
| 222B | 47131 through 47156 | 222-016-001-123, -127, -131, and -135. |
| 222U | 47501 through 47574 | 222-016-001-123, and -131. |
| 230 | 23001 through 23038 | 222-016-001-123, and -131. |
| 430 | 49001 through 49105 | 222-016-001-123, and -131. |
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Bell Helicopter Textron (BHTC) model helicopters. This action requires certain checks and inspections of the tail rotor blades. If a crack is found, before further flight, this AD requires replacing the tail rotor blade (blade) with an airworthy blade. This amendment is prompted by three reports of cracked blades found during scheduled inspections. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect a crack in the blade and prevent loss of a blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
To detect a crack in the blade and prevent loss of the blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 3 hours time-in-service (TIS) and at intervals not to exceed 3 hours TIS, clean and visually check both sides of each blade for a crack in the paint in the areas shown in Figure 1 of this AD. An owner/operator (pilot), holding at least a private pilot certificate, may perform this visual check and must enter compliance with this paragraph into the helicopter maintenance records by following 14 CFR sections 43.11 and 91.417(a)(2)(v).
Note 1: Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletins 222-04-100, 222U-04-71, 230-04-31, and 430-04-32, all dated August 27, 2004, pertain to the subject of this AD.
(b) If a crack is found in the paint while complying with paragraph (a) of this AD, before further flight, inspect the blade by removing the blade and by abrading the area and following the other requirements in paragraph (c) of this AD.
(c) Within the next 50 hours TIS, unless accomplished previously, and at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, clean the blade by wiping down both surfaces of each blade in the inspection area depicted in Figure 1 of this AD using aliphatic naptha (C-305) or detergent (C-318) or equivalents. Using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass, visually inspect both sides of the blade in the areas depicted in Figure 1 of this AD.
(1) If even a crack is found in the paint, before further flight, remove the blade.
(2) Remove the paint to the bare metal in the area of the suspected crack by using Plastic Metal Blasting (PMB) or a nylon web abrasive pad. Abrade the blade surface in a span-wise direction only.
Note 2: PMB may cause damage to helicopter parts if performed by untrained personnel. BHT-ALL-SPM, chapter 3, paragraph 3-24 pertains to the subject of this AD.
(3) Using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass, inspect the blade for a crack.
(i) If a crack is found, before further flight, replace the blade with an airworthy blade.
(ii) If no crack is found in the blade surface, refinish the blade by applying one coat of MIL-P-23377 or MIL-P-85582 Epoxy Polyamide Primer so that the primer overlaps the existing coats just beyond the abraded area. Let the area dry for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Then, apply one sealer coat of Polyurethane MILC85285 TYI CL2, color Number 27925 (semi-gloss white) per Fed. Std. 595. Reinstall the blade.
Note 3: BHT-ALL-SPM, chapter 4, pertains to painting.
(d) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Contact the Safety Management Group, FAA, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
