2024-20-05: Flight control systems

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: 2024-20-05 Columbia Helicopters, Inc., and Restricted Category Model CH-47D Helicopters: Amendment 39-22864; Docket No. FAA-2024-2329; Project Identifier AD-2024-00451-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 28, 2024. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to the helicopters identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD with a flight control rigid connecting link (link) part number (P/N) 145C3340-10 having manufacturing CAGE code 59213, a link P/N 145C3340-10 having an unknown manufacturing CAGE code, a link with an unknown P/N having manufacturing CAGE code 59213, or a link with an unknown P/N and unknown manufacturing CAGE code, installed. (1) Columbia Helicopters, Inc., Model 234 helicopters, certificated in any category; and (2) Restricted category Model CH-47D helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Billings Flying Service, Inc., Columbia Helicopters, Inc, Tandem Rotor, LLC, and Unical Air Inc. Note 1 to paragraph (c): A flight control rigid connecting link is also referred to as a rigid connecting link in related material. Note 2 to paragraph (c): The P/N and manufacturing CAGE code information may be located on the tube of the link assembly. Information about the location of the P/N and manufacturing CAGE code is available in Boeing Service Bulletin CH-47, No. 145-67-1047, dated May 22, 2024. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 2700, Flight control systems. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by two reports of a link failure, due to a manufacturing defect. The FAA is issuing this AD to address non-conforming links. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in a link failure within the flight control system due to fatigue and subsequent immediate loss of control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Within 5 days after the effective date of this AD, remove the link from service and replace it with an airworthy link. (h) Parts Installation Prohibition As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a link identified in the introductory text of paragraph (c) of this AD on any helicopter. (i) Special Flight Permit Special flight permits are prohibited. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, West 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 West Certification Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) 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. (k) Additional Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact David Herron, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712; phone: (206) 231-3544; email: david.herron@faa.gov. (2) For Boeing material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference, contact Billings Flying Service, Inc., 309 Jellison Road, Billings, MT 59101; phone: (406) 252-6937; email: jed@flybfscom. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued on October 3, 2024. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024-23547 Filed 10-8-24; 11:15 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P