AD 2000-18-13 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Canada Ltd. Model BO 105 LS A-3 Helicopters

Makes named: bendix. Models named: BO 105 LS A-3. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model BO 105 LS A-3 helicopters, with part number (P/N) 2604067 (Bendix) or J17322-1 (Lord) rotor tension torsion (TT) strap, 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 (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 fatigue failure of a TT strap, loss of a main rotor blade (blade), and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Before further flight, (1) Create a component log card or equivalent record for each TT strap. (2) Review the history of each helicopter and TT strap. Determine the age since initial installation on any helicopter (age) and the number of flights on each TT strap. Enter both the age and the number of flights for each TT strap on the component log card or equivalent record. When the number of flights is unknown, multiply the number of hours time-in-service (TIS) by 5 to determine the number of flights. If a TT strap has been previously used at any time on Model BO-105LS A-3 “SUPER LIFTER”, BO-105 CB-5, BO-105 CBS-5, BO-105 DBS-5, or any MBB-BK 117 series helicopter, multiply the total number of flights accumulated on those other models by a factor of 1.6 and then add that result to the number of flights accumulated on the helicopters affected by this AD. (3) Remove any TT strap from service if the total hours TIS or number of flights and age cannot be determined. (b) Remove any TT strap, P/N 2604067 or J17322-1, that has been in service 120 months since initial installation on any helicopter or accumulated 40,000 flights (a flight is a takeoff and a landing). Replace the TT strap with an airworthy TT strap. (c) This AD revises the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the maintenance manual by establishing a life limit for the TT strap, P/N 2604067 and J17322-1, of 120 months or 40,000 flights, whichever occurs first. (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 §§ 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) This amendment becomes effective on October 19, 2000. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada Civil Aviation, Canada, AD CF-99-24R1, dated September 22, 1999. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 5, 2000. Henry A. Armstrong, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-23582 Filed 9-13-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P