2011-12-16: Rotorcraft Tailboom

Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends Part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR Part 39) as follows: PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 0 1. The authority citation for Part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD: 2011-12-16 Schweizer Aircraft Corporation (Schweizer): Amendment 39- 16723; Docket No. FAA-2011-0593; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-002- AD. Effective Date (a) This AD is effective July 21, 2011. Affected ADs (b) This AD supersedes Emergency AD 2011-01-52, issued December 20, 2010; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-111-AD. Applicability (c) Schweizer Model 269A, A-1, B, C helicopters (serial number (S/N) 1846 and larger); C-1 helicopters (S/N 0156 and larger); and TH-55 series helicopters with an Aft Cluster Fitting Modification Kit, part number (P/N) SA-269K-106, installed; certificated in any category. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD was prompted by a locknut working loose on the tailboom aft cluster fitting strut because the locknut installed on one expandable bolt did not have the proper threads. This AD contains terminating action to require modifying each expandable bolt to allow installing a cotter pin to prevent the strut and driveshaft separating from the helicopter and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Compliance (e) Required as indicated, unless already done. (1) Before further flight, remove both the left-hand and right- hand locknuts, P/N MS21043-3. Reinstall the locknuts while determining the locknut drag torque. If the drag torque is a minimum of 2 in-lbs., retorque the locknut to 23 in-lbs. If the drag torque is not at least 2 in-lbs, replace the locknut with an airworthy locknut. (2) Within 10 hours time-in-service, modify each expandable bolt, P/N ADB221-1A, torque locknut, P/N MS21043-3, and install cotter pin, P/N MS24665-132 or MS24665-151, in accordance with the Procedure Section, Part II, of Schweizer Service Bulletin (SB) No. B-295, dated December 21, 2010, for Model 269A, A-1, B, C, and TH-55 series helicopters or SB No. C1B-032, dated December 21, 2010, for Model 269C-1 helicopters. (3) Before installing an expandable bolt, P/N ADB221-1A, to secure the tailboom support strut to the tailboom aft cluster fitting, modify the expandable bolt in accordance with paragraph (e)(2) of this AD. (f) Modifying both expandable bolts by torquing the locknuts and installing the cotter pins as required by this AD is terminating action for the requirements of paragraph (e)(1) and (e)(2) of this AD. Special Flight Permit (g) Special flight permits will not be issued. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (NYACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the NYACO, send it to the attention of the Program Manager, Continuing Operational Safety. Note: Before using any approved AMOC, we request that you notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office. Related Information (i) For more information about this AD, contact Stephen Kowalski, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590, telephone (516) 228-7327, fax (516) 794-5531. Subject (j) Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 5302: Rotorcraft Tailboom. Material Incorporated by Reference (k) You must use the specified portions of the service information contained in Schweizer Service Bulletins B-295 or C1B- 032, both dated December 21, 2010, for your model helicopter to do the actions required by this AD. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Schweizer Aircraft Corporation, Elmira/Corning Regional Airport, 1250 Schweizer Road, Horseheads, NY 14845, telephone (607) 739-3821, fax: (607) 796-2488, e-mail address schweizer@sacusa.com, or at http://www.sacusa.com/support. (3) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 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 an NARA facility, call 202- 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.