AD 2002-15-07 Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc., Model MD900 Helicopters

Models named: MD900. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model MD900 helicopters, serial number (S/N) 900-00008, 900-00010 through 900-00098, and 900-00100, with a lateral-mixer bellcrank assembly (bellcrank), part number (P/N) 900C2010203-105, 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 (e) 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.

Before further flight, unless accomplished previously. To prevent fatigue failure of the bellcrank and subsequent loss of lateral control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Create a component history card or equivalent record for each bellcrank and record the hours time-in-service (TIS) of the bellcrank. If the hours TIS of the bellcrank cannot be determined, use the helicopter's total hours TIS as the hours TIS for the bellcrank. (b) Apply a S/N to the bellcrank in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph (1)(a) and (1)(b), of MD Helicopters, Inc. Service Bulletin SB 900-084, dated December 3, 2001. (c) Remove any bellcrank that has exceeded 13,300 hours TIS. (d) This AD revises the Limitations section of the maintenance manual by establishing a life limit of 13,300 hours TIS for bellcrank, P/N 900C2010203-105. (e) 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 (LAACO), FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, LAACO. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the LAACO. (f) 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. (g) The marking of the S/N shall be done in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs (1)(a) and (1)(b), of MD Helicopters, Inc. Service Bulletin SB 900-084, dated December 3, 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 MD Helicopters Inc., Attn: Customer Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell Rd., Mail Stop M615-GO48, Mesa, Arizona 85215-9734, telephone 1-800-388-3378, fax 480-891-6782, or on the Web at www.mdhelicopters.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. (h) This amendment becomes effective on September 10, 2002. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 24, 2002. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-19487 Filed 8-5-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P