AD 2000-08-22 Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters Inc. Model 369D, 369E, 500N, and 600N Helicopters

Models named: 369D, 369E, 500N, 600N. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 369D, 369E, and 500N helicopters, with analog/digital turbine outlet temperature (TOT) indicator, part number (P/N) 369D24513-1, installed; and Model 600N helicopters, with analog/digital TOT indicator, P/N 9A3420, installed; 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 (f) 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 an erroneous TOT indication, damage to critical engine components, loss of engine power, and a subsequent forced landing, accomplish the following: (a) For Model 369E, 369D, and 500N helicopters: Within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) or on or before June 15, 2000, whichever occurs first; test the TOT indicating system to verify correct calibration in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part I, of MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Service Bulletin SB369D-199, SB369E-093, SB500N-019, dated January 11, 2000 (SB). Thereafter, repeat the test at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS. (b) If during any test required by paragraph (a) of this AD the TOT indicator readings for the tester setting temperatures in Table 1, Part I, of the SB are not within the indicator reading range, before further flight, perform the actions in the Accomplishment Instructions, Part I, paragraph (6)(b) of the SB. (c) For Model 600N helicopters: Within the next 50 hours TIS or on or before June 15, 2000, whichever occurs first; test the TOT indicating system, including the electronic control unit (ECU) TOT sensing system, to verify correct calibration in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part I, of MDHI SB600N-026, dated January 11, 2000 (SB 600N). Thereafter, repeat the test at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS. (d) If during any calibration test required by paragraph (c) of this AD the TOT indicator readings for the tester setting temperatures in Table 1, Part I, of SB 600N, are not within the indicator reading range, before further flight, perform the actions in the Accomplishment Instructions, Part I, paragraph (7)(b) of SB 600N. (e) If during any test required by paragraph (c) of this AD the Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) maintenance lap-top terminal does not indicate ECU TOT within (5 degrees Celsius of the tester setting in Table 1, Part I, of SB 600N, before further flight, perform the actions in the Accomplishment Instructions, Part III, of the SB 600N. (f) 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, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office. (g) 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. (h) The tests shall be done in accordance with MD Helicopters Inc. Service Bulletin SB369D-199, SB369E-093, SB500N-019 for Model 369D, 369E, and 500N helicopters and Service Bulletin SB600N-026 for Model 600N helicopters, both dated January 11, 2000. 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 MD Helicopters Inc., Attn: Customer Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell Rd., Mail Stop M615-GO48, Mesa, Arizona 85215-9797, telephone 1-800-388-3378 or 480-346-6387; datafax 480-346-6813. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (i) This amendment becomes effective on May 22, 2000. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 18, 2000. Mark R. Schilling, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-11058 Filed 5-4-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U