2024-19-17: Rotorcraft flight control

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: 2024-19-17 Bell Textron Inc. and Various Restricted Category Helicopters: Amendment 39-22859; Docket No. FAA-2024-2319; Project Identifier AD-2024-00498-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 11, 2024. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to the helicopters identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD with tension torsion (TT) straps part-number AA-204-310-101-101, AA-204-310-101-101C, AA-204-310-101-103, or AA-204-310-101-103C installed in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate No. SR03408CH. (1) Bell Textron Inc. Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, and 212 helicopters, certificated in any category; and (2) The various restricted category helicopters identified in paragraphs (c)(2)(i) through (xiii) of this AD. (i) Model 209/AH-1G helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Attack Logistics LLC. (ii) Model AH-1S helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, US Helicopter, Inc. (iii) Model HH-1K helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Midwest Aerospace TC LLC. (iv) Model SW205A-1 helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc. (v) Model TH-1F helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Midwest Aerospace TC LLC, Robinson Air Crane, Inc., and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc. (vi) Model TH-1L helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Bell Textron Inc., Midwest Aerospace TC LLC, and Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc. (vii) Model UH-1A helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc. (viii) Model UH-1B helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, International Helicopters, Inc., Midwest Aerospace TC LLC, Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc., Red Tail Flying Services LLC, Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc., Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc., and WSH, LLC. Note 1 to paragraph (c)(2)(viii): Helicopters with an SW204 or SW204HP designation are Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc., Model UH-1B helicopters. (ix) Model UH-1E helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Bell Textron Inc., Midwest Aerospace TC LLC, Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc., Smith Helicopters, and West Coast Fabrications. (x) Model UH-1F helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, AST, Inc., California Department of Forestry, Midwest Aerospace TC LLC, Robinson Air Crane, Inc., and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc. (xi) Model UH-1H helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Arrow Falcon Exporters Inc., Global Helicopter Technology, Inc., Hagglund Helicopters, LLC, JJASPP Engineering Services, LLC., Midwest Aerospace TC LLC, Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC, Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc., Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc., Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc., and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc. Note 2 to paragraph (c)(2)(xi): Helicopters with an SW205 designation are Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc., Model UH-1H helicopters. (xii) Model UH-1L helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Bell Textron Inc., Midwest Aerospace TC LLC, and Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc. (xiii) Model UH-1P helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Midwest Aerospace TC LLC and Robinson Air Crane, Inc. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6700, Rotorcraft flight control. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by an accident involving failure of a TT strap, which resulted in the main rotor blade detaching from the main rotor head. The FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of a TT strap. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of a main rotor blade 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) Remove the TT straps from service and replace them with airworthy TT straps at the compliance time required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD, as applicable. (i) For TT straps that as of the effective date of this AD have accumulated 350 or more total hours time-in-service (TIS) since first installation on any helicopter, within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD. (ii) For TT straps that as of the effective date of this AD have accumulated less than 350 total hours TIS since first installation on any helicopter, before the TT straps accumulate 400 total hours TIS since first installation on any helicopter. (2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install the TT straps identified in the introductory text of paragraph (c) of this AD on any helicopter. (h) Special Flight Permit Special flight permits are prohibited. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Central Certification 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 Central Certification Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: AMOC@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) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Brian Hanley, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1801 S Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (847) 294-8140; email: Brian.Hanley@faa.gov . (k) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued on September 23, 2024. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024-22095 Filed 9-23-24; 4:15 pm]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P