2002-03-01: Reduction Gearbox Assembly

2002-03-01 Honeywell International, Inc.: Amendment 39-12642. Docket No. 2000-NE-34-AD. Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Honeywell International, Inc., (formerly AlliedSignal, Inc., and Textron Lycoming) T5311A, T5311B, T5313B, T5317A, T5317B, and former military T53-L-11, T53-L-11A, T53-L-11B, T53-L-11C, T53-L-11D, T53-L-11A S/SA, T53-L-13B, T53-L-13B S/SA, T53-L-13B S/SB, and T53-L-703 turboshaft engines. These engines are installed on, but not limited to Bell Helicopter Textron 204, 205, and 209 series, and Kaman K-1200 series helicopters, and the following surplus military helicopters that have been certified in accordance with sections 21.25 or 21.27 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.25 or 21.27): Bell Helicopter Textron manufactured AH-1, HH-43, TH-1, UH-1 and SW-204/205 (UH-1) series. Note 1: This AD applies to each engine 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 engines 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 (d) 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: Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless already done. To prevent excessive vibrations produced by the reduction gearbox assembly that could cause failure of the tachometer drive spur gear, do the following: Initial and Repetitive Special Vibration Tests (a) Perform an initial special vibration test of the engine in accordance with the applicable service bulletin (SB) listed in the following Table 1, within 100 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Table 1. AlliedSignal SB's for Special Vibration Tests. Engine SB's (1) T5311A and T5311B T5311A/B-0100, dated January 20, 2000. (2) T5313B, T5317A, and T5317B T5313B/17-0100, dated November 19, 1999. (3) T53-L-11, -11A, -11B, -11C, -11D, and 11A S/SA. T53-L-11-0100, Revision 2, dated January 20, 2000. (4) T53-L-13B, -13B S/SA, and -13B S/SB. T53-L-13B-0100, Revision 2, dated May 11, 1999. (5) T53-L-703 T53-L-703-0100, Revision 2, dated May 11, 1999. (b) Perform repetitive special vibration tests of the engine in accordance with the applicable SB listed in Table 1 of this AD, as follows: (1) For engines that have tachometer drive spur gear part number (P/N) 1-070-062-04 installed, perform repetitive special vibration tests within 500 flight hours since the last special vibration test. (2) For engines that have tachometer drive spur gear P/N 1-070-062-06 installed, perform repetitive special vibration tests within 1,000 flight hours since the last special vibration test. Engines That Fail Special Vibration Tests (c) For engines that fail a special vibration test performed in accordance with paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD, do either of the following: (1) Replace the gearbox assembly with a serviceable reduction gearbox assembly, and before further flight perform an initial special vibration test as specified in paragraph (a) of this AD; or (2) Replace the engine with a serviceable engine, and before further flight perform an initial special vibration test as specified in paragraph (a) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (d) 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 (ACO). Operators must submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles ACO. Special Flight Permits (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where the special vibration tests and engine replacement requirements of this AD can be done. Documents That Have Been Incorporated By Reference (f) The inspection must be done in accordance with the following AlliedSignal, Inc. Service Bulletins (SB's): Document No. Pages Revision Date SB T5311A/B-0100 Total pages: 5 All Original January 20, 2000. SB T5313B/17-0100 Total pages: 5 All Original November 19, 1999. SB T53-L-11-0100Total pages: 5 All Revision 2 January 20, 2000. SB T53-L-13B-0100 Total pages: 5 All Revision 2 May 11, 1999. SB T53-L-703-0100 Total pages: 5 All Revision 2 May 11, 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 Honeywell International, Inc. (formerly AlliedSignal, Inc. and Textron Lycoming), Attn: Data Distribution, M/S 64-3/2101-201, P.O. Box 29003, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9003; telephone: (602) 365-2493; fax: (602) 365-5577. Copies may be inspected, by appointment, at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC. Effective Date (g) This amendment becomes effective on March 21, 2002.