AD 2008-22-53 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 Vertical Stabilizer Control System (VSCS) adapter tube, part number 500N7218-1, installed, certificated in any category.

Required before further flight, unless accomplished previously. To prevent loss of yaw control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, do the following: (a) Turn ON both VSCS switches. (b) If installed, de-energize the autopilot (AP/SAS) as follows: (1) Determine if the AP/SAS trim actuators are centered. If the AP/SAS trim actuators are not centered, center them. (2) After the AP/SAS trim actuators are centered: (i) Turn the AP/SAS MSTR switch to the OFF position. (ii) Pull the following AP circuit breakers located on the A601 Essential Bus Circuit Breaker Panel, mounted in the cockpit console, and install a plastic cable tie on each circuit breaker to prevent accidental energizing of the circuit: (A) AP/SAS CMPTR (CB28), (B) AP/SAS DISC (CB29), and (C) AP/SAS ACCEL (CB30). (3) Install a placard next to the AP Mode Select panel that contains the AP/SAS MSTR switch stating “AP/SAS DEACTIVATED.” (c) Install a placard on the instrument panel as close as practicable to the airspeed indicator that states: “AIRSPEED LIMIT 100 KIAS or V NE , WHICHEVER IS LESS. VFR FLIGHT ONLY, AUTOPILOT OFF.” (d) Make pen and ink changes or insert a copy of this AD into the limitations section of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) to revise the limitations as follows: “V NE is limited to 100 KIAS or less as determined by referring to the airspeed V NE placard already installed on the helicopter. VFR Flight Only, Autopilot OFF.” (e) Make pen and ink changes or insert a copy of this AD into the limitations section of the RFM to revise the emergency procedures as follows: “If you experience an anti-torque system malfunction, turn both VSCS switches to OFF during final approach for a run-on landing.” Note: MDHI Service Bulletin SB900N-110, dated October 17, 2008, pertains to the subject of this AD. (f) 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 Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, ATTN: Eric D. Schrieber, Aviation Safety Engineer, Airframe Branch, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712, telephone 562-627-5348, fax 562-627-5210, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance. (g) Copies of the applicable service information may be obtained from MD Helicopters Inc., Attn: Customer Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell Rd., Mail Stop M615, Mesa, Arizona 85215-9734, telephone 1-800-388-3378, fax 480-346-6813, or on the Web at http://www.mdhelicopters.com. (h) This amendment becomes effective on December 17, 2008, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2008-22-53, issued October 23, 2008, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 19, 2008. Scott A. Horn, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-28347 Filed 12-1-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P