Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. Model MD-900 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Model MD-900 helicopters that requires modifying the non-rotating swashplate assembly and re- identifying it and the swashplate assembly with new part numbers. This AD also requires creating a component history card or equivalent record to track the life of the newly identified non-rotating swashplate assembly and establishing a life limit of 1800 hours time-in-service (TIS). Additionally, this AD requires inspecting and modifying, if necessary, the longitudinal drive link assembly. This AD is prompted by reports of damage to the longitudinal drive link assembly caused by the sharp inner edge of the bushing in the non-rotating swashplate assembly. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent damage to the longitudinal drive link, loss of control of the main rotor system, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.