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2010-23-23 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-16513; Docket No. FAA- 2010-0670; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-42-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective on December 22, 2010.
Other Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Model SA330F, G, J, and AS332C, L, L1, and L2 helicopters, certificated in any category.
Reason
(d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD states that EASA received a report of a rear hinged door on a Model AS332L1 helicopter opening in flight without loss of the door. Examinations revealed incorrect positioning of a door catch that resulted in incorrect locking and uncontrolled opening of the door. This condition, if not detected and corrected, can lead to the loss of the hinged door in flight, damage to the main or tail rotor blades, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Required as indicated:
(1) Withinthe next 220 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 6 months, whichever occurs first, unless done previously, inspect the position of each upper and lower door catch:
(i) As depicted in Figures 1 through 4 and by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Table 1 of paragraph 2.B.2., of Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 52.13, dated December 1, 2008 (ASB 52.13) for the Model SA330F, G, and J helicopters, or
(ii) As depicted in Figures 1 through 5 and by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Table 1 of paragraph 2.B.2. of ASB No. 52.00.38, dated December 1, 2008 (ASB 52.00.38) for the Model AS332C, L, L1, and L2 helicopters.
(2) Before further flight, replace each improperly positioned catch by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.3. and 2.B.4., of ASB 52.13 or ASB 52.00.38, as appropriate for your model helicopter.
(3) Before further flight, adjust each micro-switch, and conduct a functional test of the hinged-door indicating system:
(i) By following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.5. and 2.B.6., of ASB 52.13, for the Model SA330F, G, and J helicopters, or
(ii) By following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.5.a. through 2.B.5.b. of ASB 52.00.38 for the Model AS332C, L, L1, and L2 helicopters.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD
(f) We refer to flight hours as hours TIS. This AD does not apply to the Model AS332C1 because that model is not FAA type certificated.
Other Information
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, ATTN: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Gary Roach, ASW-111, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5130, fax (817) 222-5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(h) EASA MCAI AD No. 2009-0015, dated January 21, 2009, contains related information.
Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code
(i) The JASC Code is 5200: Doors.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(j) You must use the specified portions of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No.52.00.38 or No. 52.13, both dated December 1, 2008, to do the actions required.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75053-4005, telephone (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3710, or at http://www.eurocopter.com.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76137; 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.
