AD 2000-25-52 Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. Model 369A, H, HE, HM, HS, D, E, FF, and 500N Helicopters

Models named: 369A, H, HE, HM, HS, D, E, FF, 500N. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 369A, H, HE, HM, HS, D, E, FF, and 500N helicopters, with main rotor blade (blade), part number (P/N) 500P2100-BSC (serial number (S/N) with a prefix of “K” and 101 through 562); P/N 500P2100-101 or P/N 500P2100-301 (S/N with a prefix of “A” and 001 through 999 or S/N with a prefix of “B” and 001 through 529); or blade, P/N 500P2300-501 (S/N with a prefix of “T” and 101 through 107), manufactured by Helicopter Technology Company, LLC, 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 before further flight, unless accomplished previously. To detect a void in the bonding that could result in a crack due to corrosion pits on the blade spar bonded surfaces, failure of a blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Perform a tap inspection on both the upper and lower surfaces of each blade in accordance with the “INSPECTION” paragraph of Helicopter Technology Company, LLC, Mandatory Service Bulletin Notice No. 2100-2R2, dated November 14, 2000 (SB). If any voids on a blade are detected that exceed specified inspection requirements of the SB, replace the unairworthy blade with an airworthy blade before further flight. (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, 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 2: 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) The tap inspections shall be accomplished in accordance with the “INSPECTION” paragraph of Helicopter Technology Company, LLC, Mandatory Service Bulletin Notice No. 2100-2R2, dated November 14, 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 Helicopter Technology Company, LLC, 12923 South Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90061, telephone (310) 523-2750, fax (310) 523-2745. 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. (e) This amendment becomes effective on February 6, 2001, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2000-25-52, issued December 5, 2000, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 10, 2001. Henry A. Armstrong, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-1586 Filed 1-19-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U