2002-22-14: Main rotor tension-torsion (TT) straps

2002-22-14 Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.: Amendment 39-12941. Docket No. 2001-SW-42-AD. Supersedes AD 80-17-09, Amendment 39-3876, Docket No. 80-ASW-25. Applicability: Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 214B, and 214B-1 helicopters, with main rotor tension-torsion (TT) strap, part number (P/N) 204-012-122-1, -5, or 214-010-179-1, 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 otherwise 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 (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed bythis AD; and if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it. Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent separation of a TT strap, loss of a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Before further flight, remove and replace any TT strap with 1,200 or more hours time-in-service (TIS) or 24 or more months since initial installation on any helicopter, whichever occurs first. (b) This AD revises the Limitations section of the maintenance manual by establishing a life limit for the TT straps, P/N 204-012- 122-1, -5, or 214-010-179-1, of 1200 hours TIS or 24 months since initial installation on any helicopter, whichever occurs first. (c) Special flight permits will not be issued. (d) 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, 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 Certification Office. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Certification Office. (e) This amendment becomes effective on December 13, 2002.