TailplateTailplate
Run a report

Airworthiness Directive 2002-22-51

one-time
Official AD 2002-22-51 · FR doc 02-31176 · 2002-12-11 · airframe

Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. Model MD900 Helicopters

What this AD requires

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2002-22-51, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Model MD900 helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires, before further flight, certain procedures and inspections of the main rotor support static mast (mast) and the mast threads for any crack or pitting. If any crack or pitting is found, this AD requires removing the mast from service. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect any crack or pitting in the mast that could result in failure of the mast, separation of the main rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Which aircraft AD 2002-22-51 applies to

MakesMd Helicopters

One-time inspection of the main rotor mast for cracks/pitting before further flight: remove main rotor drive shaft, strip 1 inch of primer from the top inside diameter and inspect with a 10x+ glass; remove main rotor hub, clean mast threads, and inspect with a 20x+ glass (magnetic particle inspection per ASTM E1444-01 if a flaw cannot be confirmed visually); remove mast from service if any crack or pitting is found. References MD Helicopters SB900-089R1. Specific model designation not stated as such in captured text (SB number prefix consistent with MD900 series).

Whether AD 2002-22-51 actually applies to your aircraft (by serial and installed parts) and whether it’s already complied with comes from that aircraft’s records.

How AD compliance is recorded

A valid compliance record (14 CFR 43.9) states:

Method of compliance — The specific action taken (inspected, replaced, modified) and to what revision.
Date — When the work was done.
Aircraft time — Total time in service / tach at compliance — how recurring next-due is computed.
Signature & certificate — The A&P/IA who returned it to service, with certificate number.
Is AD 2002-22-51 complied with on your aircraft?

Tailplate reads a tail number’s logbooks and matches every applicable AD — including this one — to its compliance evidence, with recurring next-due dates computed.

Look up a tail number →Read the full directive (Federal Register)

Applicability is derived from the FAA directive corpus and is advisory, not a legal airworthiness determination. Compliance is established only from an aircraft’s actual records.