[Federal Register: November 20, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 224)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 70001-70003]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr20no02-6]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2001-SW-26-AD; Amendment 39-12947; AD 2002-23-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. Model MD900
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Model MD900 helicopters that requires
inspecting and, if necessary, repairing the longitudinal drive link
(drive link) and modifying certain nonrotating swashplate (swashplate)
assemblies. This AD also requires recording compliance with the AD on a
component history card or equivalent record. This amendment is prompted
by reports of damage to the drive link assembly caused by the sharp
inner edge of the bushing in the swashplate assembly. The actions
specified by this AD are intended to prevent damage to the drive link,
loss of control of the main rotor system, and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
[[Page 70002]]
DATES: Effective December 26, 2002.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of December 26, 2002.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from MD Helicopters, Inc., Attn: Customer Support Division,
4555 E. McDowell Rd., Mail Stop M615-GO48, Mesa, Arizona 85215-9734,
telephone 1-800-388-3378, fax 480-891-6782, or on the web at
www.mdhelicopters.com. This information may be examined 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon Mowery, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Airframe Branch, 3960
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712, telephone (562) 627-5322,
fax (562) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 to
include an AD for certain MDHI Model MD900 helicopters was published in
the Federal Register on May 29, 2002 (67 FR 37356). That action
proposed to require modifying each swashplate assembly, part number (P/
N) 900C2010192-105, -107, and -109. That action also proposed dye-
penetrant inspecting for gouging and cracking and, if necessary,
repairing the drive link assembly, P/N 900C2010212-101. Recording
compliance with the AD on the component history card or equivalent
record was also proposed.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the
proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA
has determined that air safety and the public interest require the
adoption of the rule as proposed with minor changes in paragraph (b)
and Note 2 to further clarify that the dye-penetrant inspection
required after modifying the nonrotating swashplate is required before
further flight. The dye-penetrant inspection is required whether the
drive-link assembly has been dye-penetrant inspected previously. These
changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor
increase the scope of the AD.
The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 28 helicopters of U.S.
registry, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per helicopter
to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is
$60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $1164 per
helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $35,952.
The regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a
significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial
number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive
to read as follows:
2002-23-03 MD Helicopters, Inc.: Amendment 39-12947. Docket No.
2001-SW-26-AD.
Applicability: Model MD900 helicopters, serial numbers 0008
through 0068, 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 (e) 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.
Compliance: Required as indicated.
To prevent damage to the longitudinal drive link (drive link),
loss of control of the main rotor system, and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 3 months,
whichever occurs first, unless previously accomplished, modify the
nonrotating swashplate assembly, part number (P/N) 900C2010192-105,
-107, or -109, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraphs 2.A.(1). and 2.A.(2)., of MD Helicopters Service Bulletin
SB900-078, dated April 23, 2001 (SB).
(b) After modifying the nonrotating swashplate assembly, P/N
900C2010192-105, -107 or -109, in accordance with paragraph (a) of
this AD, before further flight, dye-penetrant inspect the drive link
assembly, P/N 900C2010212-101, for gouging or cracking in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.(1). and
2.B.(2). of the SB, except that returning cracked parts to MDHI is
not required by this AD.
(1) If a crack is found, before further flight, replace the
drive link assembly, P/N 900C2010212-101, with an airworthy drive
link assembly.
(2) If gouging is found without a crack, before further flight,
rework the drive link assembly, P/N 900C2010212-101, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.(3). of the SB.
Note 2: Even if you have previously dye-penetrant inspected the
drive link assembly, you must accomplish the inspection required by
paragraph (b) of this AD after modifying the swashplate assembly in
accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD.
(c) Record compliance with this AD on the component history card
or equivalent record for the nonrotating swashplate assembly.
(d) Accomplishing the actions required by paragraphs (a) and (b)
of this AD is terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
(e) 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, Los Angeles 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, Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.
[[Page 70003]]
(f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(g) The inspection and modification shall be done in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.A.(1)., 2.A.(2).,
2.B.(1)., 2.B.(2)., and 2.B.(3). of MD Helicopters Service Bulletin
SB900-078, dated April 23, 2001 (SB). 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 MD Helicopters, Inc., Attn: Customer Support Division,
4555 E. McDowell Rd., Mail Stop M615-GO48, Mesa, Arizona 85215-9734,
telephone 1-800-388-3378, fax 480-891-6782, or on the web at
www.mdhelicopters.com. 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.
(h) This amendment becomes effective on December 26, 2002.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 6, 2002.
David A. Downey,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-29156 Filed 11-19-02; 8:45 am]
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