AD 2008-22-53

final rule
Data completeness: 80%

Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. Model MD900 Helicopters

AD Number
2008-22-53
Status
final_rule
Effective Date
Product Category
aircraft
Docket
Docket No. FAA-2008-1251
FR Citation
73 FR 73165
Supersedes
2008-18-52

Applicability

TypeManufacturerModelDetails
aircraft MD Various Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. Model MD900 Helicopters

Unsafe Condition

Failure of the left Vertical Stabilizer Control System (VSCS) adapter tubes on MD900 helicopters, leading to uncontrollable vertical stabilizer and reduced yaw control.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Required Actions

Turn ON both VSCS switches and turn OFF the autopilot (AP/SAS) switch; pull and cable-tie certain AP/SAS circuit breakers; install a placard near the AP/SAS master switch; install an airspeed limitation placard on the instrument panel; revise the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) limitations and emergency procedures sections.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Compliance Time

Before further flight

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Affected Aircraft

MD Helicopters, Inc. Model MD900 helicopters with the affected adapter tube installed.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Source: Official FAA Source ↗

Retrieved: Apr 4, 2026

Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain

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