AD 2000-20-51 Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Model R22 Helicopters

Makes named: robinson. Models named: R22. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model R22 helicopters, with a yoke half assembly (yoke), Part number ­(P/ N) A203-5, 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 failure of a yoke, separation of a yoke from the main rotor drive shaft, 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 each yoke for a crack. See Figure A. (b) If a yoke is cracked, before further flight, replace the yokes with airworthy yokes, P/N A203-7. Both yokes must be replaced with yokes, P/N A203-7. (c) Before further flight after January 1, 2001, (1) Determine the Lot identifier of each yoke. (2) If the Lot identifier is from 24 through 43, if it is a letter code, or if it is illegible, replace yokes, P/N A203-5, with airworthy yokes, P/N A203-7. Yoke, P/N A203-7, cannot be installed with yoke, P/N A203-5. Note 2: Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Service Bulletin SB-88A, dated September 13, 2000, pertains to the subject of this AD. (d) The visual check required by paragraph (a) may be performed by an owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with paragraph (a) in accordance with 14 CFR 43.11 and 91.417(a)(2)(v). BILLING CODE 4910-13-P ER07NO00.026 BILLING CODE 4910-13-C (e) Determining that the installed yokes, P/N A203-5, are not in the lots affected by this AD, or replacing yokes, P/N A203-5, with yokes, P/N A203-7, is terminating action for the requirements of this AD. (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, FAA. 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 3: 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 will not be issued. (h) This amendment becomes effective on November 22, 2000, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2000-20-51, issued October 4, 2000, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 27, 2000. Henry A. Armstrong, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-28236 Filed 11-6-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P