2000-24-21: Control System Linkage

2000-24-21 SIAM HILLER HOLDINGS, INC.: Amendment 39-12028. Docket No. 2000-SW-27-AD. Applicability: Model UH-12, UH-12A, UH-12B, UH-12C, UH-12D, UH-12E, UH-12E-L, UH-12L, UH-12L4 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 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 (b) 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 at the next annual inspection or within 12 months, whichever occurs first, unless accomplished previously. To prevent separation of the control system attachments at pivoting points and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Replace all undrilled-shank bolts at pivoting joints in the control system linkage with drilled-shank bolts, and install castellated nuts and cotter pins in accordance with Hiller Aircraft Corporation Service Bulletin No. 10-4, Revision 2, dated December 20, 1999. (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, FAA. 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) The installation of castellated nuts and cotter pins shall be done in accordance with Hiller Aircraft Corporation Service Bulletin No. 10-4, Revision 2, dated December 20, 1999. 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 Hiller Aircraft Corporation, 3200 Imjin Road, Marina, California 93933-5101, telephone (408) 384-4500, fax (408) 384-3100. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; orat the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (e) This amendment becomes effective on January 10, 2001.