AD 2000-20-18 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 53347, 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 (c) 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 a horizontal stabilizer slat (slat) from separating, impact with a main or tail rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, visually inspect the brackets, part number (P/N) 206-023-119-109 or -110 or P/N 407-023-801-127 or -128, that attach the slats, P/N 407-023-002-117, to the horizontal stabilizer for a crack. (1) If any crack is found, replace the slat assembly, P/N 407-023-002-117, with an airworthy segmented slat assembly, P/N 407-023-001-101, before further flight. Replace the slat assembly in accordance with Part II of the Accomplishment Instructions in Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB 407-99-32, dated December 7, 1999. (2) If no crack is found, replace each slat assembly, P/N 407-023-002-117, with an airworthy segmented slat assembly, P/N 407-023-001-101, prior to flight after December 31, 2000. (b) Installing airworthy segmented slat assemblies, P/N 407-023-001-101, constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD. (c) 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. (d) 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. (e) The modification shall be done in accordance with Part II of the Accomplishment Instructions in Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB 407-99-32, dated December 7, 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 (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023, fax (450) 433-0272. 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. (f) This amendment becomes effective on November 22, 2000. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada (Canada) AD CF-2000-09, dated March 21, 2000. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 29, 2000. Henry A. Armstrong, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-26236 Filed 10-17-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P