Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Helicopters

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited (type certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Model 429 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of incorrectly staked spherical bearings in the directional control bellcrank assembly. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the lower surface of the spherical bearing in the directional control bellcrank assembly to determine if it is properly staked and, depending on the findings, applicable corrective actions. For certain helicopters, this AD also requires repetitive inspections and, depending on the findings, applicable corrective actions. This AD also provides a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.