AD 2000-06-09 Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Arrius 1A Series Turboshaft Engines

Turbomeca Arrius 1A series turboshaft engines, installed on but not limited to Ecureuil AD355 series helicopters. Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine 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 engines 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 (c) 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 as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent unexpected power loss, which could result in an uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown, autorotation, and forced landing, accomplish the following: Installation of Module TU63 (a) Install module TU63 in accordance with the Instructions for Incorporation of Turbomeca Arrius Service Bulletin (SB) No. 319 73 0016, Revision 1, dated December 22, 1997, at the earliest of the following after the effective date of this AD: (1). The next shop visit, or (2). Within 120 cycles-in-service, or (3). Within 30 days. Definition (b) For the purpose of this AD, a shop visit is defined as whenever the engine is removed from the helicopter for maintenance. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) 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, Engine Certification Office. Operators shall submit their request through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Engine Certification Office. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the Engine Certification Office. Ferry Flights (d) 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 aircraft to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. Incorporation by Reference (e) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Turbomeca Arrius Service Bulletin (SB) No. 319 73 0016, Revision 1, dated December 22, 1997. 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 Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos, France; telephone (33) 05 59 64 40 00, fax (33) 05 59 64 60 80. This information may be examined at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC. (f) This amendment becomes effective on June 12, 2000. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 20, 2000. David A. Downey, Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-7456 Filed 4-10-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U