2021-22-11: Tail Rotor Control System

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2021-22-11 MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI): Amendment 39-21784; Docket No. FAA-2021-0653; Project Identifier AD-2021-00170-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 10, 2022. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) Model 369D, 369E, 369F, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters, certificated in any category, with pilot-to-copilot tail rotor torque tube (torque tube) part number 369H7531-9/-11/-13, installed. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6720, Tail Rotor Control System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a spiral crack in the torque tube. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of a torque tube. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of tail rotor control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) Using a flashlight and mirror, visually inspect the exterior of the torque tube at the interface of the torque tube and bushing segments, and borescope inspect the interior of the torque tube at the interface of the torque tube and bushing segments for a crack, elongation, and other damage, which may be indicated by any corrosion, pitting, crazing, dents, dings, displacement of material at the bolt hole edge, or fretting of the hole by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.A.(1). through (3).(a)., of MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB369H-263R2, SB369D-229R2, SB369E-129R2, SB369F-119R2, SB500N-066R2, or SB600N-080R2, each dated March 24, 2021, as applicable to your model helicopter, as follows: Note 1 to the introductory text of paragraph (g)(1): Scaling of the inner diameter primer or paint may be an indication of a crack. (i) For helicopters that have accumulated 600 or less total hours time-in-service (TIS), within 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD. (ii) For helicopters that have accumulated more than 600 total hours TIS, within 5 hours TIS or 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. Note 2 to paragraph (g)(1)(ii): It is advised to limit flights with increased, excessive, or rapid pedal movements before the first instance of the actions required by paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD are accomplished. (iii) If there is a crack, elongation, or other damage, before further flight, remove the torque tube from service. (2) Thereafter following paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS, borescope inspect the interior of the torque tube at the interface of the torque tube and bushing segments as required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. If there is a crack, elongation, or other damage, before further flight, remove the torque tube from service. (h) Credit for Previous Actions You may take credit for the instance of the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD if you performed corresponding actions before the effective date of this AD using MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB369H-263, SB369D-229, SB369E-129, SB369F-119, SB500N-066, or SB600N-080, each dated January 30, 2020, as applicable to your model helicopter, or MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB369H-263R1, SB369D-229R1, SB369E-129R1, SB369F-119R1, SB500N-066R1, or SB600N-080R1, each dated May, 15 2020, as applicable to your model helicopter. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO, 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 certification office, information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-LAACO-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. (j) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Payman Soltani, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562) 627-5313; email payman.soltani@faa.gov . (2) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB369H-263, SB369D-229, SB369E-129, SB369F-119, SB500N-066, and SB600N-080, each dated January 30, 2020 (co-published as one document and collectively referred to as "initial issuance"), and MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB369H-263R1, SB369D-229R1, SB369E-129R1, SB369F-119R1, SB500N-066R1, and SB600N-080R1, each dated May, 15, 2020 (co-published as one document and collectively referred to as "Revision 1"), which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the subject of this AD. This service information is available at the contact information specified in paragraphs (k)(3) and (4) of this AD. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB369D-229R2, dated March 24, 2021. (ii) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB369E-129R2, dated March 24, 2021. (iii) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB369F-119R2, dated March 24, 2021. (iv) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB369H-263R2, dated March 24, 2021. (v) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB500N-066R2, dated March 24, 2021. (vi) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB600N-080R2, dated March 24, 2021. Note 3 to paragraph (k)(2): The service bulletins listed in paragraphs (k)(2)(i) through (vi) of this AD are co-published as one document. (3) For MD Helicopters service information identified in this AD, contact MD Helicopters, Inc., Attn: Customer Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell Rd., Mail Stop M615, Mesa, AZ 85215-9734; telephone (800) 388-3378; fax (480) 346-6813; or at https://www.mdhelicopters.com. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on October 14, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021-26332 Filed 12-3-21; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P