2012-14-11: Main Rotor Drive

Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 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 airworthiness directive (AD): 2012-14-11 Various Restricted Category Helicopters: Amendment 39- 17125; Docket No. FAA-2012-0739; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-044- AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Arrow Falcon Exporters, Inc. (AFE), Rotorcraft Development Corporation (formerly Garlick Helicopter Corporation, and Garlick Helicopter, Inc.), and San Joaquin Helicopters Model OH-58A, OH-58A+, and OH-58C helicopters, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in the main rotor mast, which could result in failure of the mast and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective August 7, 2012. (d) Compliance You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time. (e) Required Actions (1) Within 30 days, unless accomplished previously within the last 12 months: (i) Overhaul the main rotor mast assembly and magnetic particle inspect the mast; mast bearing nut; plate, mast and seal; and bearing liner for a crack. (ii) Fluorescent penetrant inspect the locking plate for a crack. (iii) Using a 10X or higher magnifying glass, inspect the threaded area of the mast [[Page 42973]] as shown in area E of figure 1 to paragraph (e) of this AD for pitting, corrosion, or a crack. Remove any surface rust with a wire brush or steel wool. [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR23JY12.003 (2) If there is a crack, pitting, or corrosion, before further flight, replace the mast with an airworthy mast. (3) Within 10 days, report any findings of a crack, pitting, or corrosion to the address listed in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. Include the number of hours TIS and calendar time since the last overhaul and inspection of the mast and the restricted category type of the helicopter. (f) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: John Cecil, Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562) 627-5228; email john.cecil@faa.gov. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (h) Additional Information (1) Arrow Falcon Exporters, Inc., Alert Service Bulletin: 2012- 58-01, Revision 1, dated February 20, 2012, which is not incorporated by reference, contains more information about the subject of this AD. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Arrow Falcon Exporters, Inc., 2081 South Wildcat Way, Porterville, CA 93257; telephone (559) 781-8604; fax (559) 781-9271; email afe@arrowfalcon.com. (2) You may review the service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6300: Main Rotor Drive.