Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18008 · Main rotor drive
Various Restricted Category Helicopters
This AD applies to Arrow Falcon Exporters, Inc. (AFE), Rotorcraft Development Corporation (RDC) (formerly Garlick Helicopter Corporation, and Garlick Helicopter, Inc.), and San Joaquin Helicopters (SJH) Model OH-58A, OH-58A+, and OH-58C helicopters, certificated in any category.
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-14-11 for Arrow Falcon Exporters, Inc. (AFE), Rotorcraft Development Corporation (RDC), and San Joaquin Helicopters (SJH) Model OH-58A, OH- 58A+, and OH-58C helicopters. AD 2012-14-11 required inspecting the main rotor mast (mast) for a crack. This new AD expands the mast inspection area, changes the inspection to a repetitive inspection, and removes the reporting requirement. The actions in this AD are intended to prevent failure of the mast and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time.
(1) Within 90 days, unless accomplished previously within the last 12 months, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 1,200 hours time-in-service or 3 years, whichever occurs earlier:
(i) Remove any surface rust with a wire brush or steel wool and, using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass, inspect the areas of the mast as shown in area E and area J of Figure 1 to Paragraph (f) of this AD for pitting, corrosion, or a crack.
(ii) Overhaul the main rotor mast assembly and magnetic particle inspect the mast; mast bearing nut; plate, mast and seal; and bearing liner for a crack.
(iii) Fluorescent penetrant inspect the locking plate for a crack.
(2) If there is a crack, pitting, or corrosion, before further flight, replace the mast with an airworthy mast.
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.
