99-19-23: Engine Coupling Tube Inspection

99-19-23 EUROCOPTER FRANCE: Amendment 39-11343. Docket No. 99-SW-53-AD. Issued September 22, 1999. Applicability: Model EC 120B helicopters with engine coupling tube, P/N C631A1002101, 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 (b) 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 detect a crack in the engine coupling tube which could result in coupling failure, loss of engine drive, and a subsequent forced landing, accomplish the following: (a) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 hours TIS, inspect engine coupling tube, P/N C631A1002101, for any crack and replace any cracked engine coupling tube before further flight. Inspect and replace, if necessary, in accordance with paragraph CC of Eurocopter Service Telex No. 05-001 EC 120, Version B, dated August 26, 1999, except that reporting to Eurocopter Technical Support is not required. (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 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, Rotorcraft Regulations Group. NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Regulations Group. (c) Special flight permits will not be issued. (d) The inspection and repair, if necessary, shall be done in accordance with paragraph CC of Eurocopter Service Telex No. 05-001 EC 120, Version B, dated August 26, 1999. 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.(e) This amendment becomes effective on October 19, 1999, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency Priority Letter AD 99-19-23, issued September 2, 1999, which contained the requirements of this amendment.