AD 2000-06-10 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 407 Helicopters

Models named: 407. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 407 helicopters, serial numbers 53000 through 53003, 53005 and higher, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent separation of the tail boom and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Before further flight and thereafter before the first flight of each day, check the left side of the tail boom for a crack in the areas shown in Figure 1. If a crack is found, replace the tail boom with an airworthy tail boom before further flight. BILLING CODE 4910-13-P ER30MR00.004 BILLING CODE 4910-13-C (b) An owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may perform the visual check required by paragraph (a) but must enter compliance with paragraph (a) into the aircraft records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.11 and 91.417(a)(2)(v)). (c) Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, visually inspect any tail boom with 600 or more hours TIS for a crack using a 10X or higher magnifying glass, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part II, of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Alert Service Bulletin 407-99-26, dated April 13, 1999, except that you are not required to contact Bell Helicopter Product Support Engineering. If a crack is found, replace the tail boom with an airworthy tail boom before further flight. (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Regulations Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Regulations Group. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Regulations Group. (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (f) The inspection of the tail boom shall be done in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part II, of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Alert Service Bulletin 407-99-26, dated April 13, 1999. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec JON1LO, telephone (800) 463-3036, fax (514) 433-0272. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (g) This amendment becomes effective on April 14, 2000. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada (Canada) AD CF-99-17, dated June 14, 1999. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 21, 2000. Henry A. Armstrong, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-7552 Filed 3-29-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P