AD 2004-23-15 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, with a Notar fan system that has a tension-torsion (TT) strap, part number (P/N) 900R3442009-103, 900R6442009-103, 900R3442009-101, or 500N5311-5, installed, certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of a TT strap in the Notar fan system, which could result in loss of directional control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Before further flight, for TT straps, P/N 900R3442009-103 and 900R6442009-103, reduce the life limit from 3034 to 2500 hours time-in-service (TIS). (b) Within 10 hours TIS, for any TT strap that has accumulated 1190 or more hours TIS, remove the TT strap from the helicopter and do a visual and x-ray inspection in accordance with the Inspection Instructions, paragraph 2.B.(1). through (5). and Figures 1 and 2 of MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB900-095, dated November 3, 2004 (SB). Replace any unairworthy part before further flight. (c) Before the TT strap accumulates 1200 hours TIS, for any TT strap with less than 1190 hours TIS, remove the TT strap from the helicopter and do a visual and x-ray inspection in accordance with the Inspection Instructions, paragraph 2.B.(1). through (5). and Figures 1 and 2 of the SB. Replace any unairworthy part before further flight. (d) The x-ray inspection of the TT strap must be performed by a Level II or higher x-ray technician who is qualified under the guidelines established by MIL-STD-410E, ATA Specification 105, AIA-NAS-410, or an FAA-accepted equivalent for qualification standards. (e) Within 7 days, for any TT strap that you find unairworthy, report the helicopter serial number (S/N), the TT strap P/N and S/N, the total hours TIS on the TT strap, and a description of the part condition rendering it unairworthy. Report the information to Roger Durbin, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Airframe Branch, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712, telephone (562) 627-5233, fax (562) 627-5210. (f) Information collection requirements contained in this AD have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. (g) This AD revises the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual by reducing the life limit of the TT strap, P/N 900R3442009-103 and 900R6442009-103, from 3034 hours TIS to 2500 hours TIS. (h) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Contact the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance. (i) The inspections shall be done in accordance with MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB900-095, dated November 3, 2004. The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference 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 National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. (j) This amendment becomes effective on December 7, 2004. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 10, 2004. Kim Smith, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-25542 Filed 11-19-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U