Action
Final rule.
Summary
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Model 206L, L-1, L-3, and L-4 helicopters. This AD requires measuring each main rotor (M/R) blade spar space to determine whether it is oversized and reidentifying the M/R blade and reducing the life limit of the blade if the spar spacer is oversized. This AD was prompted by the manufacture of certain blades with an oversized spar spacer and the determination to reduce the life limits of those blades. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent failure of an M/R blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.