2005-25-12: Air intake noise suppressors

2005-25-12 Turbomeca: Amendment 39-14405. Docket No. FAA-2005-23004; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-42-AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 28, 2005. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Turbomeca Astazou XIV B and XIV H turboshaft engines that have operated with air intake noise suppressors. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, single-engine Aerospatiale AS319B "Alouette III" and AS342J "Gazelle" helicopters. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from several reports of failure of 2nd stage axial compressor wheel blades. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of 2nd stage axial compressor wheel blades, leading to in- flight engine shutdown and autorotation landing. Compliance (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the actions have already been done. Ensure Proper Installation of Air Intake Noise Suppressors (f) Before further flight, ensure proper installation of air intake noise suppressors. (g) You can find information on doing this in aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) section 71-30-41 for Aerospatiale AS319B helicopters, and in AMM section 71-61-401 for Aerospatiale AS342J helicopters. Engines That Operated With Improperly Installed Air Intake Noise Suppressors (h) For engines that operated with improperly installed air intake noise suppressors: (1) Perform an ultrasonic inspection of 2nd stage axial compressor wheel blades, within 50 flight hours or 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and replace blades that fail inspection. (2) Use 2.B.(1) through 2.B.(2)(b) of Turbomeca Alert Service Bulletin No. A283 72 0800, dated February 5, 2004, to do the inspection. Alternative Methods of Compliance (i) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (j) Direction Generale de L'Aviation Civile airworthiness directive F-2004-029, dated February 18, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (k) You must use Turbomeca Alert Service Bulletin No. A283 72 0800, dated February 5, 2004, to perform the removals, blade inspections, replacements, and installations required by this AD. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos, France; telephone 33 05 59 74 40 00, fax 33 05 59 74 45 15, for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590- 0001, on the internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.