AD 2000-05-15 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS355N Helicopters

Models named: AS355N. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model AS355N helicopters, 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.

Required within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, unless accomplished previously. To prevent separation of an engine exhaust pipe ejector from the helicopter, which could result in a tail rotor strike and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) In accordance with paragraph BB of Eurocopter France Service Telex No. 00095, dated October 27, 1999 (Telex) that references Service Telex No. 01.00.45, visually inspect the: (1) 4 engine exhaust pipe ejector attachment lugs (lugs) for any crack; (2) starter-generator (S-G) shaft for radial play; (3) S-G attachment flange for any crack; and (4) S-G attachment half-clamps for any crack. (b) If a crack is found in either the lugs, the S-G attachment flange, or the S-G attachment half-clamps, repair or replace the cracked part with an airworthy part prior to further flight. (c) If radial play is discovered in the S-G, replace it with an airworthy S-G prior to further flight. (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, 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 Directorate. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 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 §§ 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. (f) The inspections and replacements, if necessary, shall be done in accordance with Eurocopter France Service Telex No. 00095, dated October 27, 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. (g) This amendment becomes effective on March 31, 2000. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 1999-469-058(A), dated December 1, 1999. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 6, 2000. Henry A. Armstrong, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-6035 Filed 3-15-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U