Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15596 · Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 222, 222B, 222U, 230 and 430 Helicopters
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 222, 222B, 222U, 230 and 430 Helicopters
The following model helicopters, certificated in any category:
| Model No. | Serial Nos. |
|---|---|
| 222 | 47006 through 47089. |
| 222B | 47131 through 47156. |
| 222U | 47501 through 47574. |
| 230 | 23001 through 23038. |
| 430 | 49001 through 49101. |
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 222, 222B, 222U, 230 and 430 helicopters that requires rewiring and testing the fuel valve switch on each engine and testing the ignitor system. This amendment is prompted by an in-flight incident in which a fuel valve switch failed, causing the fuel valve to inadvertently close. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent interruption of the fuel supply caused by failure of the fuel switch, which could result in loss of engine power and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
To prevent interruption of the fuel supply caused by failure of the fuel switch, which could result in loss of engine power and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Rewire the No. 1 and No. 2 engines' fuel valve switch, part number 10648BH1-1, and test the fuel valve switches and the ignitor system, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in Bell Helicopter Textron Technical Bulletin (TB) No. 222-03-171, Part 1, applicable to Model 222 helicopters, serial number (S/N) 47006-47038, and Part 2, applicable to Model 222 helicopters, S/N 47039-47089, and Model 222B helicopters, S/N 47131-47156; TB No. 222U-03-96, applicable to Model 222U helicopters; TB No. 230-03-35, applicable to Model 230 helicopters; and TB No. 430-03-33, applicable to Model 430 helicopters. All of the technical bulletins are dated June 11, 2003.
(b) 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 Manager, Safety Management Group, ATTN: George Schwab, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0110, telephone (817) 222-5114, fax (817) 222-5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(c) The rewiring and testing shall be done in accordance with the specified portions of Bell Helicopter Textron Technical Bulletin No. 222-03-171, No. 222U-03-96, No. 230-03-35, and No. 430-03-33, all dated June 11, 2003. The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference 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 J7J1R4, telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023, fax (450) 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 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
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.
