2016-08-21: Main Rotor Control

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): 2016-08-21 Kaman Aerospace Corporation (Kaman): Amendment 39-18498; Docket [[Page 24014]] No. FAA-2016-0183; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-016-AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model K-1200 helicopters, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a main rotor (M/R) blade striking the opposing rotor's flight controls. This condition could result in damage to the M/R flight controls and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective May 31, 2016. (d) Compliance You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. (e) Required Actions Within 10 hours time-in-service, revise Section 2 Limitations of the Kaman K-1200 Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) by inserting a copy of this AD into the RFM or by making pen-and-ink changes, as follows: (1) In the ``Flight Limitations--NO LOAD'' and ``Flight Limitations--WITH LOAD'' sections, add the information in Figure 1 to paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR25AP16.011 (2) In the ``Flight Limitations--NO LOAD'' and ``Flight Limitations--WITH LOAD'' sections, add the following: Maximum rearward flight speed: 25 knots. Maximum sideward flight speed: 17 knots. Weather-vanning takeoffs/departures as a method to turn aircraft: Prohibited. (f) Credit for Actions Previously Completed Incorporating the changes contained in Kaman K-1200 RFM, Revision 5, dated April 14, 2015, before the effective date of this AD is considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraph (e) of this AD. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Kirk Gustafson, Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7190; email kirk.gustafson@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 Kaman K-1200 RFM, Revision 5, dated April 14, 2015, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this final rule. For service information identified in this final rule, contact Kaman Aerospace Corporation, Old Windsor Rd., P.O. Box 2, Bloomfield, Connecticut 06002-0002; telephone (860) 242-4461; fax (860) 243-7047; or at http://www.kamanaero.com. You may review a copy of this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6710, Main Rotor Control.