2004-13-26: Main rotor blade (blade) grips

2004-13-26 Kaman Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-13708. Docket No. 2003-SW-46-AD. Applicability: Model K-1200 helicopters, certificated in any category. Compliance: Required as indicated. To prevent failure of a blade grip, blade contact with the opposite rotor mast, blade failure, and loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Before further flight, unless accomplished previously, remove the paint topcoat and primer from each blade grip; and using a light and 10x power or higher magnifying glass, visually inspect each blade grip in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 1. and 2.a., of Kaman Aerospace Corporation Service Bulletin No. 109, dated October 31, 2003 (SB). Note: Do not damage or remove the sealant around the blade grip bolt heads and nuts. (1) If a crack is detected, remove the grip and replace it with an airworthy grip. (2) If no crack is detected, cover the exposed area with corrosion preventative compound. (b) Before the first flight of each day, remove corrosion preventative compound from each blade grip using acetone. Using a light and 10x power or higher magnifying glass, visually inspect each blade grip for a crack in the area depicted in Figure 1 of the SB. (1) If a crack is detected, remove the grip and replace it with an airworthy grip. (2) If no crack is detected, cover the exposed area with corrosive preventative compound. (c) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Contact the Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance. (d) Special flight permits will not be issued. (e) The inspections shall be done in accordance with Kaman Aerospace Corporation Service Bulletin No. 109, dated October 31, 2003. 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 Kaman Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2, Old Windsor Rd., Bloomfield, CT 06002-0002, telephone (888) 626-KMAX (5629), fax (880) 243-7047. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html . (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 22, 2004.