AD 99-06-15 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 407 Helicopters

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

Model 407 helicopters, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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 request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (i) 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. [[Page 16803]]

Required before further flight, unless accomplished previously. To prevent the tail rotor blades from striking the tailboom, which could result in separation of the aft section of the tailboom with the tail rotor gearbox and vertical fin, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Install a stop that limits the maximum distance that the left pedal can travel in accordance with Part I of the Accomplishment Instructions in Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Technical Bulletin 407-98-13, dated December 12, 1998 (TB). (b) Adjust the rigging of the directional controls in accordance with Part II of the Accomplishment Instructions in the TB. (c) Install the airspeed limitation placard shown in Figure 1 of this AD so that it completely covers and obscures the airspeed limitation placard, P/N 407-070-201-103. Ensure that the replacement placard is at least 2\1/16\-inches tall and 3\9/16\-inches long. Figure.--407 Airspeed Limitations-Knots-IAS [AD 99-06-15] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximum Autorotation VNE 100 KIAS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OAT Pressure Altitude FT X 1000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- C deg. 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 52........................................ 98 93 88 ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ 40........................................ 100 95 91 86 81 76 ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ 20........................................ 100 100 95 90 85 80 76 71 66 61 ........ 0......................................... 100 100 100 95 90 85 80 75 70 65 60 -20....................................... 100 100 100 100 95 90 85 80 75 70 65 -40....................................... 97 93 88 83 79 74 70 65 61 ........ ........ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (d) Install a redline at a Vne of 100 KIAS on all airspeed indicators. Remove or obscure any previously installed lines or acrcs above 100 KIAS. If the redline is installed on the instrument glass, also install a slippage mark on the glass and on the isntrument case. (e) Add the following statement to the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM): When operating at an airspeed of 60 to 100 KIAS, maintain yaw trim within one ball diameter of the centered position of the turn and bank (slip) indicator, and avoid sudden or large directional control inputs in flight. (f) Mark the airspeed limitations placard in Figure 1-3 in the RFM to indicate that it has been superseded by this AD, and insert a copy of this AD into the RFM. Also, mark the airspeed indicator in Figure 1-5 of the RFM to indicate a Vne of 100 KIAS. (g) This AD revises the limitations section of BHTC Model 407 RFM by replacing sheet 1 of Figure 1-3 in the RFM with Figure 1 of this AD, revising sheet 3 of Figure 1-5 of the RFM, and adding an operational limitation for allowable yaw trim and directional control input. (h) Report any uncommanded right yaw, uncommanded movement of the pedals during flight, or tail rotor blade contact with the tailboom within 24 hours of the occurence to the Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office, telephone (817) 222-5170. Reporting requirements have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget and assigned OMB control number 2120-0056. (i) 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Certification Office. (j) 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 helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished, provided they are for a one-time ferry flight without passengers, and that airspeed during the flight does not exceed 60 KIAS. For helicopters with a left-pedal stop installed in accordance with the TB, the airspeed must not exceed 100 KIAS for a one-time ferry flight without passengers. (k) The modifications shall be done in accordance with Parts I and II of the Accomplishment Instructions in Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Technical Bulletin 407-98-13, dated December 12, 1998. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec JON1LO, telephone (800) 463- 3036, fax (514) 433-0272. 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 Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (l) This amendment becomes effective on April 22, 1999, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Priority Letter AD 99-06-15, issued March 9, 1999, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada (Canada) AD CF-98-36R3, dated March 5, 1999. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 30, 1999. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-8407 Filed 4-6-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-M