2001-13-03: Rotor Shaft and Teeter Pin Assembly

2001-13-03 Kaman Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-12283. Docket No. 2000-SW-50-AD. Applicability: Model K-1200 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 (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. Compliance: Required within 25 hours time-in-service, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of the rotor shaft, teeter pin assembly, or flap clevis due to fatigue cracks, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Remove any rotor shaft, part number (P/N) K974112-001, -003, -005, -007, -009, or -101, that has 3,750 or more hours time-in- service (TIS) and replace it with an airworthy rotor shaft. Remove any teeter pin assembly, P/N K910005-007 or -009, that has 550 or more hours TIS and replace it with an airworthy teeter pin assembly. Remove any flap clevis, P/N K911049-011, -017, -019, or -021, that has 640 or more hours TIS and replace it with an airworthy flap clevis. (b) This AD revises the Limitations section of the maintenance manual by reducing the life limit of the rotor shaft, P/N K974112- 001, -003, -005, -007, -009, and -001, to 3,750 hours TIS; reducing the life limit of the teeter pin assembly, P/N K910005-007 and -009, to 550 hours TIS; and establishing a life limit for the flap clevis,P/N K911049-011, -017, -019, and -021, of 640 hours TIS. (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 2: 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 August 1, 2001.