2021-26-09: Tail Rotor Head

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: 2021-26-09 Brantly Helicopters Industries U.S.A. Co., Ltd., and Brantly International, Inc.: Amendment 39-21868; Docket No. FAA-2021-0610; Project Identifier AD-2021-00126-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 19, 2022. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Brantly Helicopters Industries U.S.A. Co., Ltd., Model 305 helicopters and Brantly International, Inc., Model B-2, B-2A, and B-2B helicopters, certificated in any category, with a tail rotor (T/R) hub part number 161-1 or 2951, installed. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6420, Tail Rotor Head. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a crack in the T/R hub. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking of the T/R hub. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of T/R 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 Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or at the next annual inspection after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS and at each annual inspection: (1) Clean, and using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass, inspect the areas where each T/R blade attaching arm extends from the T/R hub for a crack, corrosion, and pitting. If there is a crack, corrosion, or pitting, before further flight, remove the T/R hub from service. (2) Clean and dye penetrant inspect the radius at the shoulder of each T/R hub spindle for a crack and pitting. If there is a crack or pitting, before further flight, remove the T/R hub from service. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Fort Worth ACO Branch, 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, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i) of this AD. (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. (i) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Marc Belhumeur, Senior Project Engineer, Certification Section, Fort Worth ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5177; email 9-ASW-FWACO@faa.gov. (j) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued on December 9, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021-27052 Filed 12-14-21; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P