AD 99-17-10 Airworthiness Directives; Schweizer Aircraft Corporation Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, 269C-1, and 269D Helicopters

Makes named: schweizer. Models named: 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, 269C-1, 269D. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, 269C-1, and 269D helicopters, with a tail rotor swashplate shaft (shaft), part number (P/N) 269A6049-3, 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 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 (d) 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 shaft and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Within the next 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 hours TIS until the next 100-hour or annual inspection, whichever occurs first, cut the lockwire; retract the boot on the pitch control assembly; and inspect the shaft nut, P/N 269A6258, for looseness by using a firm hand pressure. If the shaft nut is loose and can be turned by hand, determine if the shaft, P/N 269A6049-3, is undersized in accordance with Part II of Schweizer Aircraft Corp. Service Bulletins B-271, DB-007, or C1B-009, all dated March 12, 1999 (SB), as applicable. (b) At the next 100-hour or annual inspection, whichever occurs first, inspect the shaft, P/N 269A6049-3, for the proper size, in accordance with Part II of the applicable SB. (c) Prior to further flight, replace any undersized shaft in accordance with Part II of the applicable SB. (d) 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 FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment 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 AD, if any, may be obtained from the New York Aircraft Certification Office. (e) 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. (f) The inspection shall be done in accordance with Schweizer Aircraft Corp. Service Bulletins B-271, DB-007, or C1B-009, all dated March 12, 1999, as applicable. 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 Schweizer Aircraft Corporation, P.O. Box 147, Elmira, New York 14902. 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. (g) This amendment becomes effective on September 2, 1999. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 4, 1999. Henry A. Armstrong, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-21177 Filed 8-17-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U