92-09-07 BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON, INC. (BHTI): Amendment 39-8232. Docket No. 91-ASW-33.
Applicability: All Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Model 206A and 206B helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 4 through 1163, certificated in any category, equipped with a vertical fin assembly that has an external doubler, part number (P/N) 206-020-113-109, installed on the lefthand side adjacent to the supports.
Compliance: Required within 30 days or 100 hours' time in service, whichever comes first, after the effective date of this AD, unless previously accomplished.
To prevent failure of the vertical fin supports, which could result in loss of the vertical fin and loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Inspect for cracks and modify the vertical fin supports in accordance with Part I of Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 206-91-60, dated June 28, 1991.
(b) Prior to reinstalling the fin assembly, inspect for any gaps between the tailboomand the fin mounted inserts. If any gaps are found, comply with PART II of Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 206-91-60, dated June 28, 1991. If gaps are not found reassemble the aircraft in accordance with the manufacturer's maintenance manual.
(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time, which provides an acceptable level of safety, may be used when approved by the Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office, ASW-170, 4400 Blue Mound Road, Fort Worth, Texas, 76193-0170. The request shall be forwarded through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office.
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(e) The inspections and modifications to the vertical fin assembly and supports, and the inspection for gaps shall be done in accordance with Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 206-91-60, Parts I and II, dated June 28, 1991. This incorporation by reference was 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, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, Texas 76101. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, FAA, 4400 Blue Mound Road, Bldg. 3B, Room 158, Fort Worth, Texas, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 1100 L Street NW., Room 8401, Washington, D.C.
(f) This amendment becomes effective June 29, 1992.