AD 2010-22-07 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 Helicopters

Models named: MBB-BK 117 C-2. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters with a tail rotor control lever B642M1009103, installed, certificated in any category. Reason (d) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI) AD states: “European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) was informed by the manufacturer of an in-flight incident in which a dynamic weight broke off the control lever subsequently leading to considerable vibrations. A visual inspection revealed that the threaded bolt of the control lever had broken off.” This AD requires actions that are intended to prevent separation of dynamic weights, severe vibration, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Before further flight, unless already done, mark the position of the weights, remove the split pins, remove the weights, and visually inspect the tail rotor control lever in the area around the split pin bore for score marks, notching, scratching, or a crack. Inspect by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(1) through 3.A.(3) and Figure 1, of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin MBB BK 117 C-2-64A-002, Revision 2, dated August 6, 2007 (ASB). (1) If done previously, within the next 8 hours time-in-service (TIS) or before reaching 25 hours TIS after the last inspection, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 8 hours TIS, repeat the visual inspection of the tail rotor control lever as required by paragraph (e) of this AD. (2) If you find a score mark, a notch, or a scratch that exceeds the maintenance manual limits, or find a crack, before further flight: (i) Replace the tail rotor control lever with an airworthy tail rotor control lever; and (ii) Reidentify the tail rotor head, head assembly, and drive system with the new part numbers by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.(1) through 3.B.(8) and 3.C.(1) through 3.C.(2), of the ASB. (f) Within 100 hours TIS, unless already done, replace the control levers and reidentify the tail rotor head, head assembly, and drive system with the new part numbers by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.(1) through 3.B.(8) and 3.C.(1) through 3.C.(2), of the ASB. (g) Replacing the control levers and reidentifying the part numbers is terminating action for the requirements of this AD. Differences Between the FAA AD and the MCAI AD (h) We refer to flight hours as hours TIS. We do not refer to a date of October 31, 2007, for replacing the levers because the date has passed. Other Information (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, ATTN: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Sharon Miles, ASW-111, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222 5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (j) Special flight permits are prohibited. Related Information (k) MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive No. 2006-0237, dated August 31, 2007, which supersedes EASA Emergency AD 2007-0189-E, dated July 12, 2007, contains related information. Joint Aircraft System/Component Code (l) The Joint Aircraft System/Component Code is 6400: Tail rotor system-control lever. Material Incorporated by Reference (m) The actions shall be done in accordance with the specified portions of Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Alert Service Bulletin MBB BK117 C-2-64A-002, Revision 2, dated August 6, 2007. 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 American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527. 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 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. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 12, 2010. Kim Smith, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010-26563 Filed 10-28-10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Before further flight, unless already done, mark the position of the weights, remove the split pins, remove the weights, and visually inspect the tail rotor control lever in the area around the split pin bore for score marks, notching, scratching, or a crack. Inspect by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(1) through 3.A.(3) and Figure 1, of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin MBB BK 117 C-2-64A-002, Revision 2, dated August 6, 2007 (ASB). (1) If done previously, within the next 8 hours time-in-service (TIS) or before reaching 25 hours TIS after the last inspection, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 8 hours TIS, repeat the visual inspection of the tail rotor control lever as required by paragraph (e) of this AD. (2) If you find a score mark, a notch, or a scratch that exceeds the maintenance manual limits, or find a crack, before further flight: (i) Replace the tail rotor control lever with an airworthy tail rotor control lever; and (ii) Reidentify the tail rotor head, head assembly, and drive system with the new part numbers by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.(1) through 3.B.(8) and 3.C.(1) through 3.C.(2), of the ASB. (f) Within 100 hours TIS, unless already done, replace the control levers and reidentify the tail rotor head, head assembly, and drive system with the new part numbers by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.(1) through 3.B.(8) and 3.C.(1) through 3.C.(2), of the ASB. (g) Replacing the control levers and reidentifying the part numbers is terminating action for the requirements of this AD. Differences Between the FAA AD and the MCAI AD (h) We refer to flight hours as hours TIS. We do not refer to a date of October 31, 2007, for replacing the levers because the date has passed. Other Information (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, ATTN: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Sharon Miles, ASW-111, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222 5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (j) Special flight permits are prohibited. Related Information (k) MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive No. 2006-0237, dated August 31, 2007, which supersedes EASA Emergency AD 2007-0189-E, dated July 12, 2007, contains related information. Joint Aircraft System/Component Code (l) The Joint Aircraft System/Component Code is 6400: Tail rotor system-control lever. Material Incorporated by Reference (m) The actions shall be done in accordance with the specified portions of Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Alert Service Bulletin MBB BK117 C-2-64A-002, Revision 2, dated August 6, 2007. 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 American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527. 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 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. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 12, 2010. Kim Smith, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010-26563 Filed 10-28-10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P