AD 2011-21-12 Airworthiness Directives; Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated Model S-64F Helicopters

Models named: S-64F. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model S-64F helicopters, with rotating swashplate assembly (swashplate), part number (P/N) 65104-11001-051, installed, certificated in any category.

Required as indicated. To prevent loss of a swashplate due to a fatigue crack, loss of control of the main rotor system, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, do the following: (a) Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless accomplished previously, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS, clean and visually inspect the swashplate for a crack in areas A through F as depicted in Figure 1 of Erickson Air-Crane Service Bulletin 64B10-10, Revision 2, dated April 1, 2008 (SB). (b) Within 150 hours TIS, unless accomplished previously, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 150 hours TIS, clean the swashplate and, using a 10-power or higher magnifying glass, visually inspect for a crack in areas A through F as depicted in Figure 1 of the SB. (c) Within 1,000 hours TIS since the last fluorescent-penetrant inspection (FPI) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 hours TIS, remove the swashplate from the rotor head, disassemble and remove the paint from the swashplate, and FPI the swashplate for a crack in accordance with ATSM E1417, Type I, Methods A or C. (d) If a crack is found in the swashplate, before further flight, replace the swashplate with an airworthy swashplate. (e) 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, Rotorcraft Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate, ATTN: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Michael Kohner, ASW-170, Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5170, fax (817) 222-5783, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance. (f) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 6230: Main Rotor Mast/Swashplate. (g) The inspections shall be done in accordance with the specified portions of Erickson Air-Crane Service Bulletin 64B10-10, Revision 2, dated April 1, 2008. 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 Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated, 3100 Willow Springs Road, P. O. Box 3247, Central Point, OR 97502, telephone (541) 664-5544, fax (541) 664-2312. 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. (h) This amendment becomes effective on December 1, 2011. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 29, 2011. Kim Smith, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011-27775 Filed 10-26-11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P