AD 99-26-04 Airworthiness Directives; Kaman Aerospace Corporation Model K1200 Helicopters

Models named: K-1200. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model K-1200 helicopters, with clutch assembly, part number (P/N) K974002-701, 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 (c) 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 before the first flight of each day. To prevent failure of the engine adapter flange, loss of power to the main rotors, and a subsequent forced landing, accomplish the following: (a) Inspect the integrity of the clutch assembly, in a location where background noise would not hinder evaluation, by firmly and uniformly rotating the Kaflex shaft in the anti-rotating direction (counter-clockwise looking forward) while maintaining hand contact. The anti-rotation speed should be approximately one-fourth to one-half revolution per second. An unairworthy clutch will feel rough with a continuous dry “raspy” feel and sound, or it may feel as though the clutch has heavy detents or “catches” on the interior surface that impede the free rotary motion. (b) Remove any unairworthy clutch assembly, P/N K974002-701, before further flight and replace with an airworthy clutch assembly. Note 2: Kaman K-1200 K-MAX Maintenance Manual Temporary Revision (TR) No. 284, dated November 5, 1999, which revises the procedures for engine area daily inspections and TR No. 289, dated November 12, 1999, which describes the method of inspecting the transmission assembly, pertain to the subject of this AD. (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, Boston Aircraft 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, Boston Aircraft Certification Office. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Boston Aircraft Certification Office. (d) 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. (e) This amendment becomes effective on February 8, 2000, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency Priority Letter AD 99-26-04, issued December 8, 1999, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 13, 2000. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-1642 Filed 1-21-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U