Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Model 214ST Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI) Model 214ST helicopters with certain tailboom assemblies and a certain emergency float kit installed, that requires initial and repetitive inspections of the tailboom for cracks until modifications of the tailboom are accomplished. This amendment is prompted by several reports of cracks in the lower aft skin of the tailboom assembly. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent cracks in the tailboom assembly, which could result in structural failure of the tailboom and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.