96-23-01: Kratos Indicator

96-23-01 BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON, A DIVISION OF TEXTRON CANADA, LTD: Amendment 39-9806. Docket No. 95-SW-35-AD. Applicability: Model 206L-1 helicopters that have a Kratos turbine outlet temperature (TOT) indicator (Kratos indicator), part number (P/N) 124.444-6 or 124.444-20, installed, 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 (b) 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 within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, unless accomplished previously. To prevent false low-temperature indications, which could result in overheating of the engine turbine (turbine) and subsequent thermal fatigue damage to the turbine wheel, accomplish the following: (a) Remove the Kratos indicator, P/N 124.444-6 or 124.444-20, and replace it with an indicator, P/N 206-075-680-105 or P/N 206-375-006-101, or any other airworthy TOT indicator approved for use on the Bell Model 206L-1 helicopter, except for the Kratos TOT indicator, P/N 124.444-6 or 124.444-20. NOTE 2: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 206L-94-94, Revision A, dated July 11, 1994, pertains to this AD. (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office. NOTE 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Certification Office. (c) 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. (d) This amendment becomes effective on December 11, 1996.