99-23-01: Grip Assembly P/N A756-6 Rev. A thru 7 N

99-23-01 ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY: Amendment 39-11397. Docket No. 99-SW-12-AD. Issued October 26, 1999 Supersedes AD 98-21-36, Amendment 39-10845, Docket No. 97-SW-01-AD. Applicability: Model R44 helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 0001 through 0159, except S/N's 0143, 0150, and 0156, with pilot's cyclic control grip assembly (grip assembly), part number (P/N) A756-6, Revision N or prior revision, 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 otherwise 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 request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect ofthe modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it. Compliance: Within 25 hours time-in-service or 30 calendar days, whichever occurs first, unless accomplished previously. To prevent use of a grip assembly that may crack, resulting in failure of the grip assembly and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Remove the grip assembly, P/N A756-6, Revision A through N, and replace it with an airworthy grip assembly other than P/N A756-6, Revision A through N. NOTE 2: Robinson KI-112 R44 Pilot's Grip Assembly Upgrade Kit instructions, dated December 20, 1996, pertain to the subject of 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, 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles Aircraft 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 8, 1999.