AD 2000-18-09 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 412, 412EP, and 412CF Helicopters

Models named: 412, 412EP, 412CF. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 412, 412EP, and 412CF helicopters with upper left-hand cap angle (cap angle), part number (P/N) 212-030-191-001, 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 (b) 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 failure of a cap angle, loss of the tailboom, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, inspect the cap angle and adjacent structure for a crack in the area shown in figure 1. Use a 10-power or higher magnifying glass. Note 2: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 412-00-100, dated March 24, 2000, pertains to the subject of this AD. (1) If a crack is found in the cap angle, replace it with an airworthy cap angle before further flight. (2) Repair any crack found in the adjacent structure before further flight. BILLING CODE 4910-13-P ER13SE00.042 (3) Report any crack found to the Manager of the Rotorcraft Certification Office within 10 days of the inspection. Reporting requirements have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget and assigned OMB control number 2120-0056. (b) 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, Rotorcraft Certification Office, 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, Rotorcraft Certification Office. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Certification Office. (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (d) This amendment becomes effective on September 28, 2000. Henry A. Armstrong, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-23208 Filed 9-12-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P