Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15140 · Enstrom Helicopter Corporation Model F-28, F-28A, F-28C, F-28C-2, F-28C-2R, F-28F, F-28F-R, 280, 280C, 280F, 280FX, TH-28, 480, and 480B Helicopters
Enstrom Helicopter Corporation Model F-28, F-28A, F-28C, F-28C-2, F-28C-2R, F-28F, F-28F-R, 280, 280C, 280F, 280FX, TH-28, 480, and 480B Helicopters
Model F-28, F-28A, F-28C, F-28C-2, F-28C-2R, F-28F, F-28F-R, 280, 280C, 280F, 280FX, TH-28, 480, and 480B helicopters, with a main rotor blade retention pin (retention pin) having a serial number (S/N) that is listed in the following table, installed, certificated in any category:
| 04098-01 through 04098-56. |
| 05018-01 through 05018-36. |
| 05143-01 through 05143-56. |
| 05341-1 through 05341-8. |
| 05341-10 through 05341-17. |
| 05341-19. |
| 05341-21 through 05341-33. |
| 05341-35 through 05341-42. |
| 05341-44 through 05341-59. |
| 05341-61. |
| 05341-62. |
| 05341-64 through 05341-71. |
| 06214-3 through 06214-14. |
| 06214-16 through 06214-23. |
| 06214-25 through 06214-29. |
| 06214-31. |
| 06214-33 through 06214-35. |
| 06214-37 through 06214-57. |
| 06214-59 through 06214-68. |
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Enstrom Helicopter Corporation (Enstrom) Model F-28, F-28A, F-28C, F- 28C-2, F-28C-2R, F-28F, F-28F-R, 280, 280C, 280F, 280FX, TH-28, 480, and 480B helicopters. This action requires a visual check to determine if a certain serial-numbered main rotor blade retention pin (retention pin) is installed, and removing and replacing any affected retention pin with an airworthy retention pin. This amendment is prompted by a report from the manufacturer that some retention pins were not manufactured in accordance with specifications cited on the engineering drawing. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent failure of a retention pin, separation of a main rotor blade from the helicopter, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
To prevent failure of a retention pin, separation of a main rotor blade from the helicopter, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Before further flight, check the S/N that is marked on the head of each retention pin to see if it is a S/N that is listed in the Applicability section of this AD. See Figure 1 for the location of the S/N. If there is no serial number marked on the head of the retention pin (i.e., the retention pin head is blank), the retention pin does not need to be replaced and this determination constitutes a terminating action for the requirements of this AD for that retention pin.
(b) The visual check required by paragraph (a) of this AD may be performed by an owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate, and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD in accordance with 14 CFR sections 43.11 and 91.417(a)(2)(v).
(c) Determine the number of hours TIS for any affected retention pin and replace the retention pin with an airworthy retention pin as follows:
(1) For a retention pin with 545 or more hours TIS, remove the retention pin and replace it with an airworthy retention pin with a S/N that is not listed in the Applicability section of this AD within the next 5 hours TIS or within 30 days, whichever occurs first.
(2) For a retention pin with less than 545 hours TIS, remove the retention pin and replace it with an airworthy retention pin with a S/N that is not listed in the Applicability section of this AD on or before reaching 550 hours TIS or within 30 days, whichever occurs first.
Note: Enstrom Service Directive Bulletin No. T-029 and Enstrom Service Directive Bulletin 0102, both dated March 20, 2007, pertain to the subject of this AD.
(d) Removing any affected retention pin and replacing it with an airworthy retention pin that is not included in the Applicability section of this AD is considered a terminating action for the requirements of this AD for that retention pin.
(e) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Contact the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, ATTN: Gregory J. Michalik, Senior Aerospace Engineer, 2300 E. Devon Ave., Room 107, Des Plaines, Illinois, 60018, telephone (847) 298-7135, fax (847) 294-7834, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
