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2000-06-12 Turbomeca: Amendment 39-11653. Docket 99-NE-33-AD.
Applicability: Turbomeca Artouste III B-B1-D series turboshaft engines, installed on but not limited to Eurocopter SA 315 LAMA and SA 316 Alouette III helicopters .
Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For engines 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 (c) 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 injection wheel cracks, which could result in an in-flight engine shutdown, accomplish the following: Smoke Check
(a) Following every engine ground shutdown, accomplish the following in accordance with Turbomeca Artouste III Service Bulletin (SB) No. 218 72 0099, dated September 14, 1998:
(1) After every flight, check for smoke emissions through the exhaust pipe, air intake, or turbine casing drain during rundown and after every engine shutdown. If a smoke emission has been noticed, check the fuel system before the next flight to identify the origin of the smoke emissions.
(2) If smoke is not detected, no action is required until the next engine ground shutdown.
(3) If smoke is detected, inspect for fuel flow in accordance with paragraph 2.B.(1) and 2.B.(2) of the referenced SB.
(i) If fuel flow is not detected, prior to further flight, remove the engine from service and replace with a serviceable engine.
(ii) If fuel flow is detected, remove the electric fuel cock from service and replace with a serviceable part in accordance with section 2.B.(4) and 2.B.(5) of the referenced SB .
(iii) Before entry into service, perform an engine ground run and check the fuel system again for smoke emissions through the exhaust pipe, air intake, or turbine casing drain during engine rundown and after shut-down; if smoke emissions still remain after replacement of the electric fuel cock, prior to further flight, remove the engine from service and replace with a serviceable engine.
(b) For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable engine is defined as an engine that does not exhibit smoke emissions.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(c) 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, Engine Certification Office. Operators shall submit their request through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Engine Certification Office.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the Engine Certification Office.
Ferry Flights
(d) 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 rotorcraft to a location where the inspection requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
Incorporation by Reference
(e) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Turbomeca Artouste III Service Bulletin (SB) No. 218 72 0099, dated September 14, 1998. 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 Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos, France; telephone (33)05 59 64 40 00, fax (33) 05 59 64 60 80. This information may be examined at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on June 12, 2000.
