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Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration 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 removing Amendment 39-15756 (73 FR 73165, December 2, 2008), and adding the following new AD:
2011-22-08 MD Helicopters, Inc. Model MD900 Helicopters: Amendment 39-16851; Docket No. FAA-2010-1301; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW- 008-AD. Supersedes AD 2008-22-53, Amendment 39-15756 (73 FR 73165, December 2, 2008), Directorate ID 2008-SW-61-AD.
Applicability
Model MD900 helicopters with a Vertical Stabilizer Control System (VSCS) tube adapter, part number (P/N) 500N7218-1, installed, certificated in any category.
Compliance
Required before further flight, unless accomplished previously.
To prevent loss of yaw control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, do the following:
(a) Turn ON both VSCS switches.
(b) If installed, de-energize the autopilot (AP/SAS) as follows:
(1) Determine if the AP/SAS trim actuators are centered. If the AP/SAS trim actuators are not centered, center them.
(2) After the AP/SAS trim actuators are centered:
(i) Turn the AP/SAS MSTR switch to the OFF position.
(ii) Pull the following AP circuit breakers located on the A601 Essential Bus Circuit Breaker Panel, mounted in the cockpit console, and install a plastic cable tie on each circuit breaker to prevent accidental energizing of the circuit:
(A) AP/SAS CMPTR (CB28),
(B) AP/SAS DISC (CB29), and
(C) AP/SAS ACCEL (CB30).
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(3) Install a placard next to the AP Mode Select panel that contains the AP/SAS MSTR switch stating ``AP/SAS DEACTIVATED.''
(c) Installa placard on the instrument panel as close as practicable to the airspeed indicator that states:
``AIRSPEED LIMIT 100 KIAS or VNE, WHICHEVER IS LESS. VFR FLIGHT ONLY, AUTOPILOT OFF.''
(d) Make pen and ink changes or insert a copy of this AD into the Limitations section of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) to revise the limitations as follows: ``VNE is limited to 100 KIAS or less as determined by referring to the airspeed VNE placard already installed on the helicopter. VFR Flight Only, Autopilot OFF.''
(e) Make pen and ink changes or insert a copy of this AD into the Limitations section of the RFM to revise the emergency procedures as follows: ``If you experience an anti-torque system malfunction, turn both VSCS switches to OFF during final approach for a run-on landing.''
(f) Instead of complying with paragraphs (a) through (e) of this AD, you may replace both VSCS tube adapters, P/N 500N7218-1, with airworthy VSCS tube adapters, P/N 900C2010303-101. If you install VSCStube adapters, P/N 900C2010303-101, and previously have complied with AD 2008-22-53 (73 FR 73165, December 2, 2008), return the helicopter to its normal configuration by returning the switches and circuit breakers to their normal operating position, operationally testing the auto-pilot system, removing the two placards, and removing the revisions to the RFM pertaining to the airspeed limitation. Replacing both VSCS tube adapters, P/N 500N7218-1, with airworthy VSCS tube adapters, P/N 900C2010303-101, and returning the helicopter to its normal operating configuration constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
Note: MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB900-110R1, dated December 3, 2008, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. Copies of this service information may be obtained from MD Helicopters, Inc., Attn: Customer Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell Rd., Mail Stop M615, Mesa, Arizona 85215-9734, telephone 1-(800) 388-3378, fax (480) 346- 6813, or on the Web at http://www.mdhelicopters.com. This service information may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
(g) 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 Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Attn: Eric D. Schrieber, Aviation Safety Engineer, Airframe Branch, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712, telephone (562) 627-5348, fax (562) 627-5210, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(h) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 6720: Tail Rotor Control System.
(i) This amendment becomes effective on December 13, 2011.
