AD 2000-11-18 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA-365C, C1, C2, N, and N1; AS-365N2 and N3; and SA-366G1 Helicopters

Eurocopter France Model SA-365C, C1, C2, N, and N1; AS-365N2 and N3; and SA-366G1 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 (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.

Required within 550 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless accomplished previously, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 550 hours TIS. To prevent loosening of the main rotor hub blade attach beam spherical thrust bearing bolts (bolts), cracks in the metal components, failure of a spherical thrust bearing (bearing), and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Inspect the tightening torque of the bolts as indicated by “A” in Figure 1. (1) If tightening torque is equal to or less than 12 m.daN (88.4 lb-ft), remove the bearing and conduct a dye penetrant inspection for cracks on the two contact surfaces identified as “H” in Figure 1. (i) If a crack is detected, replace the bearing with an airworthy bearing. (ii) If no crack is detected, reinstall the bearing. Note 2: Eurocopter France Service Bulletins 05.22, 05.24, and 05.00.39, all dated July 17, 1998, pertain to the subject of this AD. (2) If the tightening torque is greater than 12 m.daN (88.4 lb-ft), then tighten the torque to 19-22 m.daN (140-162.2 lb-ft). BILLING CODE 4910-13-U ER06JN00.003 BILLING CODE 4910-13-C (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, 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, Regulations Group. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Regulations Group. (c) 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. (d) This amendment becomes effective on July 11, 2000. Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD's 98-383-044(A) for the Model SA-365C, 98-382-024-(A) for the Model SA-366, and 98-384-047(A) for the Model AS-365N helicopters. These AD's are all dated September 23, 1998. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 26, 2000. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-14194 Filed 6-5-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U