AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section. Bell Helicopter Textron 214 Series Helicopters AD/BELL 214/3 Main Rotor Outboard Strap Fitting Assembly 2/2003 DM Applicability: Model 214B and 214B-1 helicopters, with a main rotor outboard strap fitting assembly (strap fitting) part number 214-010-185-107, installed. Requirement: 1. By referring to the helicopter maintenance records, create a compone nt history card or equivalent record for each strap fitting, and record the total hours time in service and serial number. 1. If the total hours time in service cannot be determined, replace the strap fitting with a serviceable strap fitting before further flight. 2. If the strap fitting has accumulated 2,500 or more hours time in service, before further flight, replace it with a serviceable strap fitting. 2. Continue to record the subsequent hours time in service. This Directive revises the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual by establishing a life limit of 2,500 hours time in service for the strap fitting, part number 214-010-185-107. Note: Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin 214-00-62, dated 2 June 2000, refers. Note: FAA AD 2001-03-03 Amdt 39-12104 refers. Compliance: 1. Within 10 hours time in service after 11 December 2002, unless already accomplished. 2. After accomplishing Requirement 1 of this Directive. This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 11 December 2002. Bell Helicopter Textron 214 Series Helicopters AD/BELL 214/3 (continued) Background: The FAA requires certain actions in response to fatigue testing that indicates a fatigue crack may occur in the main rotor outboard strap fitting assembly, which could result in failure of the strap fitting. The actions specified in this Directive are intended to prevent failure of the strap fitting, separation of a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. David Alan Villiers Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 5 December 2002 The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 11 December 2002.