2002-22-09: Multi-purpose air intake

2002-22-09 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-12934. Docket No. 2002- SW-36-AD. Applicability: Model AS332C, L, and L1 helicopters, with an electrical multi-purpose air intake (MPAI) modified per MOD 332A07- 25974, 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 (d) 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 restricted airflow into the engine inlet during flight in icing conditions resulting in loss of engine power and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Before further flight, insert the following statement into the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM). "It is forbidden to fly into clouds or in fog at an outside air temperature (OAT) equal to or lower than plus 3o Celsius. It is forbidden to fly in rain at an OAT within the following temperature ranges: Equal to or above minus 3o Celsius and Equal to or lower than plus 3o Celsius. It is forbidden to takeoff, hover, or fly in snow at an OAT equal to or above minus 3o Celsius." (b) Within 10 hours TIS, inspect the bullet inflation on the electrical MPAI and determine the pressure in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.A. and 2.B. of Eurocopter Alert Telex No. 30.00.52 R1, dated April 10, 2002 (Telex). (1) If the pressure reads three or more bars, the system is operating properly. (2) If the pressure is less than 3 bars on either side, within 100 hours TIS, replace each unairworthy P2 pipe with an airworthy P2 pipe in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.D.1, 2.D.2, and 3. of the Telex. (c) A satisfactory pressure check of less than 3 bars on both sides or replacing each unairworthy P2 pipe with an airworthy P2 pipe is terminating action for the requirements of this AD. (d) 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, 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 2: Information concerning the existence ofapproved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Regulations Group. (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (f) The inspection and pipe replacement shall be done in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.A., 2.B., 2.D.1, 2.D.2, and 3. of Eurocopter Alert Telex No. 30.00.52 R1, dated April 10, 2002. 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. (g) This amendment becomes effective on November 21, 2002. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD No. 2002-257-080(A), dated May 15, 2002.