85-18-01: Main Rotor Blade Outboard Spars

85-18-01 SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT: Amendment 39-5116. Applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Model S-64E helicopters, certificated in all categories. Compliance is required as indicated, unless already accomplished. To prevent the possible loss of the main rotor blade outboard spar and subsequent loss of the counterweight train, accomplish the following: (a) Within the next 30 hours time in service after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 30 hours time in service from the last inspection, visually inspect main rotor blade outboard spars, Part Numbers (P/N) 6415-20201-043 and -045, for cracks in accordance with Section 2, Paragraph A of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 64B15- 8A, dated October 16, 1984, or later FAA-approved revision. (b) Within the next 30 hours time in service after the effective date of this AD,unless already accomplished within the last 120 hours time in service, and thereafter at intervals of 150 hours time in service from the last inspection, fluorescent penetrant inspect main rotor blade outboard spars, P/N's 6415-20201-043 and -045, for cracks in accordance with Section 2, Paragraph B of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 64B15-8A, dated October 16, 1984, or later FAA approved revision. (c) If a crack is found, replace with an airworthy blade that has been inspected in accordance with paragraphs (a) and (b) above prior to further flight. (d) Aircraft may be ferried in accordance with the provisions of FAR Sections 21.197 and 21.199 to a base where the AD can be accomplished. (e) Upon request of an operator, an equivalent means of compliance with the requirements of this AD may be approved by the Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803, telephone (617) 273-7118. The manufacturer's specifications and procedures identified and described in this directive are incorporated herein and made a part hereof pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(1). All persons affected by this directive who have not already received this document from the manufacturer may obtain copies upon request to Sikorsky Aircraft, Division of United Technologies Corporation, North Main Street, Stratford, Connecticut 06601. These documents also may be examined at the Office of the Regional Counsel, Federal Aviation Administration, Southwest Region, 4400 Blue Mound Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76106. This amendment becomes effective September 12, 1985.