98-23-03: Bonding Braids

98-23-03 EUROCOPTER FRANCE: Amendment 39-10867. Docket No. 97-SW-43-AD. Applicability: Model SA 330F, G, and J helicopters, with tail rotor electrical bonding braids (bonding braids), part number (P/N) 332A031.1276.00, installed, certificated in any category, that have not been modified in accordance with AMS 332A07-66-003 or AMS 33207-66-072. NOTE 1: This AD applies to each helicopter 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 helicopters that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority provided in paragraph (b) to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any helicopter from the applicability of this AD. Compliance: Required within the next 60 calendar days, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of a bonding braid due to fatigue, resulting impact with the tail rotor blades, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Remove the bonding braids, P/N 332A31.1276.00, and replace them with airworthy bonding braids, P/N 332A31.1276.01, in accordance with paragraphs B and C of the Operating Procedure of Eurocopter France Service Bulletin SA 330 No. 65.73 R3, dated June 22, 1995. (b) 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, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, 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, Rotorcraft Standards Staff. NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Standards Staff. (c) 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. (d) The replacement shall be done in accordance with Eurocopter France Service Bulletin SA 330 No. 65.73 R3, dated June 22, 1995. 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, Texas75053-4005, 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. NOTE 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 95-153-072(B), dated July 19, 1995. (e) This amendment becomes effective on December 10, 1998.