AD 2001-13-51 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 206L-4, 407, and 427 Helicopters

Models named: 206L-4, 407, 427. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 206L-4, 407, and 427 helicopters, with engine-to-transmission driveshaft assembly (driveshaft), part number 206-340-300-105, 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 (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 failure of a driveshaft, loss of drive to the main rotor system, and a subsequent emergency forced landing, accomplish the following: (a) If a driveshaft has ever been installed on a Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 407 helicopter, within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) for driveshafts with 1000 or more hours TIS and for driveshafts with 1000 or less hours TIS that have been removed or installed since helicopter delivery, and within 300 hours TIS for driveshafts with less than 1000 hours TIS that have never been removed or installed since helicopter delivery: (1) Visually inspect each driveshaft for a crack, loose bolt or nut, or red powder residue, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 1 through 7 of Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin 407-01-43, dated June 8, 2001 (ASB). (2) Before further flight, if a crack, a loose bolt or nut, or red powder residue is found, replace the driveshaft with an airworthy driveshaft. (i) If a crack, a loose bolt or nut, or red powder residue is found, notify the Manager, Regulations Group, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, of the helicopter serial number, driveshaft serial number, and driveshaft hours TIS within 10 days. (ii) Reporting requirements have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget and assigned OMB control number 2120-0056. (b) After the effective date of this AD, interchanging a driveshaft between different helicopter models is prohibited if that driveshaft has ever been installed on a BHTC Model 407 helicopter. (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 Manager, Regulations Group. (d) 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. (e) The visual inspection shall be done in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 1 through 7 of Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin 407-01-43, dated June 8, 2001. 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 J7J1R4, telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023, fax (450) 433-0272, or by e-mailing a request to pselight@bellhelicopter.textron.com. 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 October 9, 2001, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2001-13-51, issued June 27, 2001, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada (Canada) AD CF-2001-24, dated June 11, 2001. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 12, 2001. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-23416 Filed 9-20-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P