Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Helicopters
airworthiness · Rule · Final rule. · Published 2013-10-31 · Effective 2013-12-05 · 78 FR 65195
Document
Document number
2013-25702
Federal Register citation
78 FR 65195
Type
Rule
Action
Final rule.
Category
airworthiness
Manufacturer
MD
Publication date
2013-10-31
Effective date
2013-12-05
FAA docket
Docket No. FAA-2013-0486
Abstract
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for MDHI Model MD900 helicopters with certain main rotor blade (MRB) retention bolts (bolts) installed. This AD requires a daily check of the position of each bolt, a daily check and a repetitive inspection for a gap in each bolt, and, if necessary, removing and inspecting the bolt for a crack and replacing any cracked bolt with an airworthy bolt. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of in-service bolt failures. The actions are intended to prevent failure of a bolt, which could lead to loss of MRB structural integrity and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.