Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15872 · MD Helicopters, Inc. Model MD900 (including the MD902 Configuration) Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. Model MD900 (including the MD902 Configuration) Helicopters
Model MD900 (including MD902 Configuration) helicopters that have not complied with MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Mandatory Service Bulletin SB900-099 R1, dated December 27, 2006, certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) model helicopters that requires, within 30 days, reducing the current gross weight limit to a maximum gross weight limit of 5,400 pounds and inserting a copy of this AD into the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) or making certain optional modifications that constitute terminating actions. This amendment is prompted by flight tests that show that the information currently listed in the Limitations section of the RFM is inconsistent with the actual performance of the helicopter. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of directional control of the helicopter.
To prevent loss of directional control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 30 days, reduce the gross weight limit to a maximum gross weight limit of 5,400 pounds by inserting a copy of this AD into the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual.
(b) As an optional terminating action for the weight reduction mandated by paragraph (a) of this AD, accomplish the following:
(1) Determine if a NOTAR fan felt seal part number (P/N) 900F3441025-103 is installed. If a NOTAR fan felt seal, P/N 900F3441025-103, is not installed, replace the installed seal with an airworthy NOTAR fan felt seal, P/N 900F3441025-103, before further flight.
(2) Install a thruster extension kit in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph B.(3). through (17). of MDHI Mandatory SB900-099 R1, dated December 27, 2006, before further flight. Contacting the manufacturer is not required by this AD.
(c) 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, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, ATTN: Chip Adam, Flight Test Pilot, FAA, Flight Test Branch, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712-4137, telephone (562) 627-5369, fax (562) 627-5210, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
