AD 2000-16-05

Applicability: Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, 269C-1, 269D and TH-55A helicopters, with a tail rotor swashplate shaft (shaft), part number (P/N) 269A6049-3, or a tail rotor pitch control assembly (pitch control), P/N 269A6050-5, with a serial number (S/N) with an “S” prefix and number 1047 through 1061, 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 (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the 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: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent failure of the shaft, loss of the tail rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS);

(1) Determine whether the factory-installed shaft, part number (P/N) 269A6049-3, has been replaced with a shaft shipped from the factory between September 1 and December 1, 1998, inclusive, or if a pitch control, P/N 269A6050-5, with a S/N with an “S” prefix and numbers 1047 through 1061 is installed.

(2) If the factory ship date for a replacement shaft cannot be positively determined, if the shipping date was between September 1 and December 1, 1998, inclusive, or if the pitch control S/N has an “S” prefix and number 1047 through 1061,

(i) Before further flight and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 hours TIS, accomplish “Procedure, Part I,” of Schweizer Service Bulletins B-271.1 for Models 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C and TH-55A helicopters; C1B-009.1 for the Model 269C-1, or DB-007.1 for the Model 269D, all dated October 14, 1999 (SB), as applicable.

(ii) At the next scheduled 100-hour or annual inspection, whichever occurs first, accomplish Part II, paragraphs a. through d., of the applicable SB. Shafts not meeting the requirements of paragraph d. of the applicable SB must be replaced with an airworthy shaft prior to further flight.

(b) Before installing a replacement shaft, determine the date the shaft was shipped from the factory. If the date was between September 1 and December 1, 1998, inclusive, or cannot be determined, accomplish the inspections required by Part II, paragraph d., of the applicable SB prior to installation. Replace any unairworthy shaft with an airworthy shaft.

(c) 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, New York 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, New York Aircraft Certification Office.

Note 2:

Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the New York Aircraft Certification Office.

(d) 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.

(e) The inspections and modifications shall be done in accordance with “Procedure, Parts I and II,” paragraphs a. through d., of Schweizer Service Bulletins B-271.1, C1B-009.1, or DB-007.1, all dated October 14, 1999, as applicable. 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 Schweizer Aircraft Corporation, P.O. Box 147, Elmira, New York 14902. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 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.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on September 19, 2000.