Federal Register #20261751

FAA Airworthiness Directives for Bell Textron Canada Limited and Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued airworthiness directives affecting Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 222 helicopters and Leonardo S.p.A. helicopter models. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - OEMs Mentioned: - Bell Textron Canada Limited - Leonardo S.p.A. - Products/Services Requested: - For Bell 222 helicopters: - Removal of tail rotor pitch horn (P/N 222012774109) and associated tail rotor pitch links - Installation of serviceable tail rotor pitch horn (P/N 222012705105 or 222012705107) and associated tail rotor pitch links - Prohibition on installation of affected pitch horn (P/N 222012774109) - For Leonardo helicopters (Models A109A, A109A II, A109C, A109K2, A109E, A119, AW119 MKII, A109S, AW109SP): - One-time inspection of swashplate duplex bearings - Prohibition on installation of affected bearings unless requirements are met - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Actions are mandated due to in-flight fatigue failure and safety concerns - Compliance required before further flight after directive effective dates - Bell directive is considered an interim action with potential for further rulemaking - No specific purchase quantities; directives are regulatory for operator compliance

Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 222 helicopters due to a report of in-flight fatigue failure of a tail rotor pitch horn. This AD requires removing the affected tail rotor pitch horn and associated tail rotor pitch links from service and installing serviceable replacements. It also prohibits installing the affected tail rotor pitch horn on any helicopter to address the unsafe condition and prevent potential loss of control of the helicopter.

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