AD 98-07-19

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AD Number:
98-07-19
Document Type:
AD Final Rules
Docket Number:
97-SW-03-AD
Subject Heading:
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems Model 369F and 369FF Helicopters
Subject:
Tail Rotor Control Rod Assembly
Status:
Current
Citation:
Federal Register: April 02, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 63)
Citation Publish Date:
04/02/1998
Effective Date:
05/07/1998
Make:
MD Helicopters, Inc.
Model:
369F | 369FF
Product Type:
Aircraft
Product Subtype:
Rotorcraft
Affected AD:
Superseded AD:
Affected By:
Superseded By:
Service/Office:
Office of Primary Responsibility:
CFR Part Reference:
Part 39 [63 FR 16109 NO. 63 04/02/98]
Comments:
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES FINAL RULES: 98-07-19
CITATION:   [Federal Register: April 02, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 63)]

PAGE NUMBER:   [Page 16109]

DOCKET NUMBER:   97-SW-03-AD

AMENDMENT:   39-10440

AD NUMBER:   98-07-19

SUBJECT HEADING:   Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems Model 369F and 369FF Helicopters

ACTION:   Final rule

SUMMARY:   This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems (MDHS) Model 369F and 369FF helicopters, that requires removing the tail rotor control rod assembly (rod assembly) and replacing it with an airworthy rod assembly. This amendment is prompted by a failure of a rod assembly during a proof-load test conducted by the manufacturer. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent buckling of the rod assembly when subjected to ultimate jam loads, loss of tail rotor control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES:   Effective May 7, 1998.

ADDRESSES:  

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:   Mr. John L. Cecil, Aerospace Engineer, ANM-120L, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712, telephone (562) 627-5229, fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  
A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to MDHS Model 369F and 369FF helicopters was published in the Federal Register on August 20, 1997 (62 FR 44245). That action proposed to require removing the rod assembly and replacing it with an airworthy rod assembly.

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.

The FAA estimates that 17 helicopters of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 4 work hours per helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $4,080.

The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects 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, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

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 maintained in the Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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.

§ 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows:

REGULATORY TEXT:  
98-07-19 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS HELICOPTER SYSTEMS: Amendment 39-10440. Docket No. 97-SW-03-AD.

Applicability: Model 369F and 369FF 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 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 use the authority provided in paragraph (b) to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any helicopter from the applicability of this AD.

Compliance: Required within 300 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent buckling of the tail rotor control rod assembly (rod assembly) when subjected to ultimate jam loads, loss of tail rotor control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:

(a) Remove the rod assembly, part number (P/N) 369D27516, and replace it with an airworthy rod assembly, P/N 369D27516-5. Replacement of the rod assembly with an airworthy rod assembly, P/N 369D27516-5, constitutes a terminating action for the requirements of this AD.

(b) 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 2: 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.

(c) 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.

(d) This amendment becomes effective on May 7, 1998.

FOOTER: