97-12-02: Link Assembly

97-12-02 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS HELICOPTER SYSTEMS: Amendment 39-10206. Docket No. 97-SW-17-AD. Applicability: Model MD900 helicopters, with adjustable collective drive link assembly (link assembly), part number (P/N) 900C2010233-103 or -105, 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 thechanged 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 prevent failure of the link assembly, which could result in loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Before further flight, remove the link assembly, P/N 900C2010233-103 or -105, and replace with link assembly, P/N 900C2010233-107. (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, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office. NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approvedalternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office. (c) Special flight permits will not be issued. (d) This amendment becomes effective on December 2, 1997.