AD 98-19-13 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 407 Helicopters

Models named: 407. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 407 helicopters, with engine-to- transmission driveshaft (driveshaft), part number (P/N) 206-340-300- 103, installed, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 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 use the authority provided in paragraph (c) to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any helicopter from the applicability of this AD.

Required prior to or upon accumulating 50 hours total time-in-service (TIS) on driveshaft, P/N 206-340-300-103. To prevent failure of the driveshaft, which could result in loss of engine drive to the rotor system, damage to critical structural components, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Remove driveshaft, P/N 206-340-300-103, and replace it with an airworthy driveshaft, P/N 206-340-300-105. Driveshaft, P/N 206- 340-300-103, must not be installed on any helicopter. Note 2: Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin No. 407- 98-19, dated June 19, 1998, pertains to the subject of this AD. Removed driveshaft, P/N 206-340-300-103, should be destroyed. (b) This AD revises the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual by establishing a retirement life of 5,000 hours TIS for driveshaft, P/N 206-340-300-105. A component record card or equivalent record for this P/N must also be established. (c) 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, Rotorcraft Certification Office, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Certification Office. (d) Special flight permits will not be issued. (e) This amendment becomes effective on January 27, 1999. To all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Priority Letter AD 98-19-13, issued September 2, 1998, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada (Canada) AD CF-98-25, August 25, 1998. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 5, 1999. Henry A. Armstrong, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-615 Filed 1-11-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P