AD NUMBER:  2019–03–05

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

ACTION: Final Rule.

SUMMARY: This AD revises the life limit for the nose landing gear (NLG) assembly.

This AD was prompted by revised airworthiness limitations determined by Bell. Before further flight, remove from service any NLG assembly P/N 429-336-100-101 that has reached or exceeded 4,500 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 50,000 retirement index number (RIN). Thereafter, remove from service each NLG assembly P/N 429-336-100-101 before accumulating 4,500 hours TIS or 50,000 RIN, whichever occurs first. For purposes of this AD, for every normal retraction or extension of the wheeled landing gear system, add one RIN.

DATES: This AD is effective March 26, 2019.

COST: The FAA estimates that this AD affects less than 75 helicopters of U.S. Registry, as this AD does not apply to Bell Model 429 helicopters with skid landing gear. Operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD:

• At an average labor rate of $85 per hour, replacing a NLG assembly requires 10 work-hours, and required parts cost $104,648, for a cost of $105,498 per helicopter.

FMI: AD