2009-08-03: Tail rotor blade (blade)

2009-08-03 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39- 15876. Docket No. FAA-2009-0301; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-69- AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective on April 24, 2009. Other Affected ADs (b) Supersedes AD 2007-19-52, Amendment 39-15264, Docket No. FAA-2007-0179, Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-36-AD (72 FR 65221, November 20, 2007). Applicability (c) This AD applies to Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4, 222, 222B, 222U, 230, 407, 427, and 430 helicopters, with a tail rotor blade (blade) installed that has a part number and serial number which is listed in the Rotor Blades, Inc. (RBI) document attached to the following Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletins (ASBs), certificated in any category: ASB No. Revision Date Helicopter Model 206-07-116 A September 19, 2007 206A and 206B 206L-07-148 A September 19, 2007 206L, L-1, L-3, and L-4 222-07-106 C September 20,2007 222 and 222B 222U-07-77 C September 20, 2007 222U 230-07-38 C September 20, 2007 230 407-07-81 A September 19, 2007 407 427-07-18 A September 19, 2007 427 430-07-41 C September 20, 2007 430 Reason (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states that there have been three reports of blade tip weights departing from the blade during flight. This AD corrects part numbers and serial numbers of blades, and adds additional blades to the previous AD listing, based on revised ASBs issued by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited. The actions required by this AD are intended to prevent loss of a blade tip weight, loss of a blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Actions and Compliance (e) Before further flight, unless already accomplished, replace any affected blade with an airworthy blade. An airworthy blade is one that has a part number and a serial number that is not listed in the RBI document that is attachedto each ASB listed in the Applicability section of this AD. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD (f) The actions required by this AD only apply to those blades listed in the RBI document that is attached to the ASBs listed in paragraph (c). The MCAI allows use of those ASBs, or "later revisions approved by Chief, Continuing Airworthiness, Transport Canada.'' Other Information (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, ATTN: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Tracking Code (h) ATA Code 6410: Tail Rotor Blades. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use the following Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin for your model helicopter to determine which blades are subject to these AD actions: ASB No. Revision Date Helicopter Model 206-07-116 A September 19, 2007 206A and 206B 206L-07-148 A September 19, 2007 206L, L-1, L-3, and L-4 222-07-106 C September 20, 2007 222 and 222B 222U-07-77 C September 20, 2007 222U 230-07-38 C September 20, 2007 230 407-07-81 A September 19, 2007 407 427-07-18 A September 19, 2007 427 430-07-41 C September 20, 2007 430 (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 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, or at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., 76193-0111, or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or e-mail to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- locations.html.