Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16550 · Main rotor blades
Kaman Aerospace Corporation (Kaman) Model K-1200 Helicopters
This AD applies to Model K-1200 helicopters.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Kaman Model K-1200 helicopters. This AD requires revising the Limitations section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) by establishing a life limit of 8,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) for each main rotor blade (blade) set. Also, this AD requires removing each blade set from service if it has accumulated 8,000 or more hours time-in-service (TIS). This AD also requires replacing certain blade sets with airworthy blade sets at specified intervals based on the blade set serial number (S/N). This AD was prompted by an accident and the subsequent discovery of cracks in multiple blade spars. We are issuing this AD to prevent blade failure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Before further flight, unless already done:
(1) Revise the Limitations section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness by establishing a life limit of 8,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) for each blade set Remove each blade set with 8,000 or more hours TIS.
(2) Replace each specified serial-numbered blade set with an airworthy blade set in accordance with the following table:
| Blade-set Serial No. | Replace within |
|---|---|
| 101, 403, 408, 409, 411, and 415 | 400 hours TIS. |
| 417 and 419 | 700 hours TIS. |
| 405 | 1000 hours TIS. |
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.
Aircraft
