AD 2000-13-08 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model EC 135 Helicopters

Models named: EC 135. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model EC 135 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 as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent loss of drive to the tail rotor and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Before further flight, conduct a tail rotor drive shaft vibration survey and install a Fenestron Shaft Retrofit Kit L535M3002 882 in accordance with Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) EC 135-53A-005, Revision 3, dated September 2, 1998. (b) Before further flight, install double bearing supports for the tail rotor driveshaft and tail boom struts in accordance with ASB EC 135-53A-004, dated August 14, 1998. Note 2: ASB EC 135-53A-002, Revision 2, dated September 2, 1998, pertains to the subject of this AD. (c) Before further flight and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours time-in-service, perform the following: (1) Clean each tail rotor drive shaft bearing support. Using a 6-power or higher magnifying glass and a bright light, visually inspect the attach lugs of the bearing supports B and C (shown in Figure 1) for cracks, particularly in the area extending from the bend radius to the attaching screws and rivets connecting the bearing supports to the tail boom. Before further flight, replace each cracked bearing support with an airworthy bearing support. BILLING CODE 4910-13-P ER05jy00.000 BILLING CODE 4910-13-C (2) Inspect each bearing attach hardware lock plate for bent-open tabs and slippage marks for attach hardware looseness or rotation. Before further flight, replace any loose bearing attach hardware (including lock plates found bent or open due to bolt rotation) with airworthy hardware. (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, 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. (e) 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. (f) The modifications shall be done in accordance with Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Alert Service Bulletin EC 135-53A-005, Revision 3, dated September 2, 1998, and Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Alert Service Bulletin EC 135-53A-004, dated August 14, 1998. 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 August 9, 2000. Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (Federal Republic of Germany) AD's 1998-033/7 and 1998-389, both dated September 14, 1998. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 26, 2000. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-16781 Filed 7-3-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P