Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-02-06 for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 429 helicopters. AD 2016-02-06 required inspecting certain tail rotor (T/R) pitch link bearing bores for corrosion and pitting. AD 2016-02-06 also required a repetitive inspection of the sealant and repeating the inspections for corrosion and pitting if any sealant is missing. This new AD retains the requirements of AD 2016-02-06, expands the applicability, and adds a repetitive inspection. This AD was prompted by an FAA determination that additional part-numbered T/R pitch link assemblies (links) are affected by the same unsafe condition and that an additional repetitive inspection is necessary to address the unsafe condition. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.