AD FAA-2013-0488

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Model 206B and 206L helicopters. This AD requires installing a placard beneath the engine power dual tachometer and revising the operating limitations section of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM). This AD was prompted by several incidents of third stage engine turbine wheel failures, which were caused by excessive vibrations at certain engine speeds during steady-state operations. These actions are intended to alert pilots to avoid certain engine speeds during steady- state operations, prevent failure of the third stage engine turbine, engine power loss, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.