95-21-12: Main Rotor Blades Inspection

95-21-12 EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND GmbH (ECD): Amendment 39-9399. Docket No. 94-SW-19-AD. Applicability: Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2, and C-1 helicopters, certificated in any category. NOTE 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority provided in paragraph (d) to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any helicopter from the applicability of this AD. Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To detect movement of a balance weight and to prevent severe vibrations and a subsequent precautionary landing, accomplish the following: (a) Within the next 5 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, visually inspect the upper and lower surfaces of the main rotor blades (blades) in the area of the outboard lead balance weight in the marked inspection area for signs of bulging, in accordance with Paragraph 2.A. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Alert Service Bulletin ASB-MBB-BK 117-10-108, Revision 1, dated October 14, 1994. (b) If a marked inspection area is not visible, mark the area in accordance with Paragraph 2.A. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Alert Service Bulletin ASB-MBB-BK 117-10-108, Revision 1, dated October 14, 1994, and then inspect in accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD. (c) If bulging exceeds 1 mm (0.040 inch) in height, remove the blade and replace it with an airworthy blade in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual. (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used when approved by the Manager, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Standards Staff. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff. NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Standards Staff. (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (f) The inspection and replacement, if necessary, shall be done in accordance with Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Alert Service Bulletin ASB-MBB-BK 117-10-108, Revision 1, dated October 14, 1994. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053-4005. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (g) This amendment becomes effective on November 20, 1995.