AD 96-21-12 PL

96-21-12 BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON, A DIVISION OF TEXTRON CANADA LTD.: Priority Letter issued on October 11, 1996. Docket No. 96-SW-34-AD.

Applicability: Model 407 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 immediately upon receipt of this AD.

To prevent uncommanded inflight engine shut-downs, accomplish the following:

(a) Do not fly the helicopter.

(b) Manufacture a placard that states "Flight Of This Helicopter Is Prohibited". The placard shall be manufactured of a material that cannot be easily defaced or erased, and the lettering shall be block-style and at least 2-inches high but not more than 6-inches high. Additionally, the color of the lettering must contrast with the background (color of the placard material) so that it is legible. Install the placard in the pilot-side window of the helicopter. Do not remove the placard from the helicopter until corrective action(s) have been issued by the FAA in the form of an AD, and have been accomplished.

(c) Insert a copy of this AD into each BHTC Model 407 helicopter maintenance records.

(d) 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Certification Office.

(e) Special flight permits will not be issued. Flight testing of a helicopter affected by this AD, by Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. only, may be permitted if approved by the Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA.

(f) Priority Letter AD 96-21-12, issued October 11, 1996, becomes effective upon receipt.