AD 99-03-05 Airworthiness Directives; Textron Lycoming Model O-540-F1B5 Reciprocating Engines

Makes named: robinson, lycoming. Models named: O-540-F1B5 reciprocating, R-44. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Textron Lycoming Model O-540-F1B5 reciprocating engines, with the following Textron Lycoming Engine Serial Numbers, installed on but not limited to Robinson Helicopters Co. Model R-44 rotorcraft. L-24545-40A L-24628-40A L-24766-40A L-24772-40A L-25050-40A L-25052-40A L-25053-40A L-25054-40A L-25063-40A L-25064-40A L-25065-40A L-25066-40A L-25067-40A L-25068-40A L-25069-40A L-25070-40A L-25071-40A L-25072-40A L-25073-40A L-25074-40A L-25075-40A L-25076-40A L-25077-40A L-25078-40A L-25080-40A L-25081-40A L-25083-40A L-25084-40A L-25085-40A L-25086-40A L-25087-40A L-25088-40A L-25089-40A L-25090-40A L-25091-40A L-25092-40A L-25093-40A L-25094-40A L-25095-40A L-25096-40A L-25097-40A L-25098-40A L-25099-40A L-25100-40A L-25101-40A L-25102-40A L-25103-40A L-25104-40A L-25105-40A L-25106-40A L-25116-40A L-25117-40A L-25118-40A L-25119-40A L-25120-40A L-25121-40A L-25122-40A L-25123-40A L-25124-40A L-25125-40A L-25126-40A L-25127-40A L-25128-40A L-25129-40A L-25130-40A L-25131-40A L-25132-40A L-25133-40A L-25134-40A L-25135-40A L-25136-40A L-25137-40A L-25138-40A L-25139-40A L-25140-40A L-25141-40A L-25142-40A L-25143-40A L-25144-40A L-25145-40A L-25146-40A L-25149-40A L-25150-40A L-25154-40A L-25155-40A L-25156-40A L-25157-40A L-25158-40A L-25159-40A L-25160-40A L-25161-40A L-25162-40A L-25164-40A L-25166-40A L-25167-40A L-25168-40A L-25169-40A L-25170-40A L-25171-40A L-25172-40A L-25173-40A L-25174-40A L-25175-40A L-25176-40A L-25177-40A L-25178-40A L-25179-40A L-25180-40A L-25181-40A L-25182-40A L-25183-40A L-25184-40A L-25185-40A L-25186-40A L-25188-40A L-25189-40A L-25190-40A L-25191-40A L-25192-40A L-25193-40A L-25198-40A L-25200-40A L-25201-40A L-25202-40A L-25204-40A L-25206-40A L-25207-40A L-25208-40A L-25211-40A L-25212-40A L-25213-40A L-25214-40A L-25216-40A L-25217-40A L-25218-40A L-25219-40A L-25221-40A L-25222-40A L-25223-40A L-25228-40A L-25229-40A L-25230-40A L-25231-40A L-25232-40A L-25233-40A L-25234-40A L-25235-40A L-25236-40A L-25237-40A L-25238-40A L-25239-40A L-25240-40A L-25242-40A L-25243-40A L-25244-40A L-25246-40A L-25249-40A L-25250-40A L-25251-40A L-25252-40A L-25257-40A Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine 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 engines that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of the crankshaft gear retaining bolts, which can result in engine failure and subsequent autorotation and forced landing, accomplish the following: (a) Within 10 hours time in service, or 3 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, have the crankshaft gear retaining bolt, part number STD-2209, replaced by Textron Lycoming or Robinson Helicopter Company. (b) 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, New York Aircraft Certification Office. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the New York Aircraft Certification Office. (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (d) This amendment becomes effective on February 18, 1999. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 27, 1999. Jay J. Pardee, Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-2474 Filed 2-2-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P