AD 2002-23-03 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 numbers 0008 through 0068, 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.

Required as indicated. To prevent damage to the longitudinal drive link (drive link), loss of control of the main rotor system, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 3 months, whichever occurs first, unless previously accomplished, modify the nonrotating swashplate assembly, part number (P/N) 900C2010192-105, -107, or -109, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.A.(1). and 2.A.(2)., of MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB900-078, dated April 23, 2001 (SB). (b) After modifying the nonrotating swashplate assembly, P/N 900C2010192-105, -107 or -109, in accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD, before further flight, dye-penetrant inspect the drive link assembly, P/N 900C2010212-101, for gouging or cracking in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.(1). and 2.B.(2). of the SB, except that returning cracked parts to MDHI is not required by this AD. (1) If a crack is found, before further flight, replace the drive link assembly, P/N 900C2010212-101, with an airworthy drive link assembly. (2) If gouging is found without a crack, before further flight, rework the drive link assembly, P/N 900C2010212-101, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.(3). of the SB. Note 2: Even if you have previously dye-penetrant inspected the drive link assembly, you must accomplish the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD after modifying the swashplate assembly in accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD. (c) Record compliance with this AD on the component history card or equivalent record for the nonrotating swashplate assembly. (d) Accomplishing the actions required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD is terminating action for the requirements of this AD. (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. 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. (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 inspection and modification shall be done in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.A.(1)., 2.A.(2)., 2.B.(1)., 2.B.(2)., and 2.B.(3). of MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB900-078, dated April 23, 2001 (SB). 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 December 26, 2002. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 6, 2002. David A. Downey, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-29156 Filed 11-19-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P