AD NUMBER: 2015-22-02

PRODUCT: Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 429 helicopters.

ACTION: Final Rule; request for comments

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding emergency airworthiness directive (AD) No. 2015-16-51 (Emergency AD 2015-16-51) for the product listed above.

Emergency AD 2015-16-51 required inspections of each inboard and outboard tail rotor pitch link assembly for axial or radial bearing play, and if there was axial or radial bearing play, removing the tail rotor pitch link and inspecting for wear. Emergency AD 2015-16-51 was prompted by several reports of worn tail rotor pitch link spherical bearings.

The FAA is issuing this supersedure to retain the inspection requirements in Emergency AD 2015-16-51 while revising the applicability and compliance time to clarify that all Bell Model 429 helicopters require recurring inspections regardless of hours time-in-service (TIS) accumulated on the helicopter. These actions are intended to prevent pitch link failure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 12, 2015. Comments must be received by December 28, 2015.

FMI: AD