2007-11-02: Main rotor push-pull control rod (push-pull rod)

2007-11-02 Enstrom Helicopter Company: Amendment 39-15059. Docket No. FAA-2006-26771; Directorate Identifier 2005-SW-07-AD. Applicability: Model F-28A, F-28C, and F-28F helicopters, excluding serial number (S/N) 816 and subsequent; Model 280, 280C, 280F, and 280FX helicopters, excluding S/N 2100 and subsequent; and Model TH-28, 480, and 480B helicopters, excluding S/N 5058 and subsequent, certificated in any category. Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To detect corrosion and prevent failure of a main rotor push- pull control rod (push-pull rod), and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) or at the next annual inspection, whichever occurs first, review the helicopter maintenance records and determine the date that each push-pull rod, part number (P/N) 28-16253--all dash numbers (for Model F-28A, F- 28C, F-28F, 280, 280C, 280F, and 280FX helicopters) and P/N4140532--all dash numbers (for Model TH-28, 480, and 480B helicopters), was installed. If the date cannot be determined from the maintenance records, use the ``Date MFD'', which is located on the helicopter data plate, as the installation date for the push- pull rod. (b) For Model F-28A, F-28C, F-28F, 280, 280C, 280F, and 280FX helicopters, using the compliance times stated in Table 1 of this AD, visually inspect the exterior and interior of each of the three push-pull rods for corrosion severe enough to cause pitting or any moisture, paying special attention to the area of the lower fitting, in accordance with section 5.1., INSPECTION, in Enstrom Helicopter Corporation Service Directive Bulletin No. 0096, dated September 10, 2003 (SDB 0096). Table 1 Helicopter models Push-pull rod service life Compliance times Model F 28A, F 28C, F 28F, 280, 280C, 280F, and 280FX helicopters. Push-pull rod that has been installed for 20 or more years. Inspect within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) or at next annual inspection, whichever occurs first. Model F 28A, F 28C, F 28F, 280, 280C, 280F, and 280FX helicopters. Push-pull rod that has been installed for 10 or more years, but less than 20 years. Inspect within 50 hours TIS or at the next annual inspection, whichever occurs first. Model F 28A, F 28C, F 28F, 280, 280C, 280F, and 280FX helicopters. Push-pull rod that has been installed for less than 10 years. Inspect before the service life of the push-pull rod reaches 10 years since initial installation. (1) Before further flight, if corrosion without pitting is found on a push-pull rod, then repair, reassemble, remark, and reinstall it in accordance with section 5.2., REPAIR/REASSEMBLY, in SDB 0096. (2) Before further flight, if corrosion is found that is severe enough to cause pitting, or if any moisture is visible on the inside of a push-pull rod, replace it with an airworthy push-pull rod.Note 1: Determining continued serviceability of the push-pull rods by inspecting the exterior only of each push-pull rod is described in Enstrom Helicopter Corporation Service Information Letter No. 0156, dated December 9, 2003. (c) For Model TH-28, 480 and 480B helicopters, using the compliance times stated in Table 2 of this AD, visually inspect the exterior and interior of each of the three push-pull rods for corrosion severe enough to cause pitting or any moisture, paying special attention to the area of the lower fitting, in accordance with section 5.1., INSPECTION, in Enstrom Helicopter Corporation Service Directive Bulletin No. T-019, dated September 10, 2003 (SDB T-019). Table 2 Helicopter models Push-pull rod service life Compliance times Model TH 28, 480, and 480B helicopters. Push-pull rod that has been installed for 10 or more years. Inspect within 50 hours TIS or at the next annual inspection, whichever occurs first. Model TH 28, 480, and 480B helicopters. Push-pull rod that has been installed for less than 10 years. Inspect before the service life of the push-pull rod reaches 10 years since initial installation. (1) Before further flight, if corrosion without pitting is found on a push-pull rod, then repair, reassemble, remark, and reinstall it in accordance with section 5.2., REPAIR/REASSEMBLY, in SDB T-019. (2) Before further flight, if corrosion is found that is severe enough to cause pitting, or if any moisture is visible on the inside of a push-pull rod, replace it with an airworthy push-pull rod. Note 2: Determining continued serviceability of the push-pull rods by inspecting the exterior only of each push-pull rod is described in Enstrom Helicopter Corporation Service Information Letter No. T-019, dated December 9, 2003. (d) 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 Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance. (e) The inspection and replacement, if necessary, shall be done in accordance with Enstrom Helicopter Corporation Service Directive Bulletin No. 0096, dated September 10, 2003; Enstrom Helicopter Corporation Service Directive Bulletin No. T-019, dated September 10, 2003; Enstrom Helicopter Corporation Service Information Letter No. T-019, dated December 9, 2003; or Enstrom Helicopter Corporation Service Information Letter No. 0156, dated December 9, 2003, as applicable. The Director of the Federal Register approved these incorporations by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from The Enstrom Helicopter Corporation, Twin County Airport, P.O. Box 490, Menominee, Michigan 49858. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, FortWorth, 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 October 2, 2007.