Show the full text (4,969 characters)
2000-05-17 EUROCOPTER FRANCE: Amendment 39-11627. Docket No. 99-SW-85-AD. Supersedes AD 99-19-23, Amendment 39-11343, Docket No. 99-SW-53-AD.
Applicability: Model EC 120B helicopters with engine coupling tube (coupling tube), part number (P/N) C631A1002101, installed, certificated in any category.
NOTE 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.
To prevent coupling failure, loss of engine drive, and a subsequent forced landing, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 hours TIS except when required to perform the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD while each coupling tube, P/N C631A1002101, is installed, inspect for any crack in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.1., of Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 05-001, dated September 23, 1999 (SB 05-001).
(b) Within 10 hours TIS, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 30 hours TIS, after each coupling tube, P/N C631A1002101, has been removed, inspect for any crack in accordance with paragraph 2.B.2. of SB 05-001.
NOTE 2: Operators are not required to inform the manufacturer when a crack is found.
(c) When a crackis found as a result of the inspections conducted in accordance with either paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD, or by March 31, 2000, whichever occurs first, replace the coupling tube with a reinforced, airworthy coupling tube, P/N C631A1101101, and replace the engine mount fittings in accordance with Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. SB 63-001, dated November 10, 1999, using new, airworthy, engine mount fitting components to replace the following:
o Teflon spacer, P/N C714A1010208;
o Black-colored spring washers, 10.2 x 28 Type-C;
o Blue-colored hinge yoke, P/N C714A1010212; and
o Special washer, P/N C714A1010213.
NOTE 3: Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 01-002 pertains to unairworthiness of the four engine mount fitting components listed in paragraph (c) of this AD.
(d) Installing the reinforced, airworthy coupling tubes, P/N C631A1101101, and replacing the engine mount fitting components using new, airworthy, engine mount fitting components, as specified in paragraph (c) of this AD, constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
(e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Regulations Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Regulations Group.
NOTE 4: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Regulations Group.
(f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(g) The inspections and modifications shall be done in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.1., of Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 05-001, dated September 23, 1999; Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 63-001, dated November 10, 1999; and Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 01-002, dated December 23, 1999. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
(h) This amendment becomes effective on March 27, 2000.
NOTE 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale de L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 1999-349-002(A) R2, dated November 3, 1999 and AD 2000-058-003(A), dated February 9, 2000.
