Action
Final rule; request for comments.
Summary
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Model 214B, 214B-1, and 214ST helicopters with a certain tail rotor hanger bearing (bearing) installed. This AD requires inspecting the bearing to determine whether an incorrectly manufactured seal material is installed on the bearing. This AD is prompted by a report that certain bearings were manufactured with an incorrect seal material that does not meet Bell specifications. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of bearing grease, failure of the bearing, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.