AD 2000-17-07 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model EC120B Helicopters

Models named: EC120B. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model EC120B 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 before further flight with the cabin sliding door in the open position or within 60 days, whichever occurs first, unless accomplished previously, and prior to further flight after installing a cabin sliding door. To prevent in-flight loss of a cabin sliding door, impact with the horizontal stabilizer, main rotor, or fenestron tail rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Adjust the cabin sliding door (23) (see Figure 1) in accordance with the following: BILLING CODE 4910-13-P ER28AU00.008 BILLING CODE 4910-13-C (1) Loosen the screws (19) and the stop (15). (2) Open and push the cabin sliding door aft until the roller goes past the locking pin (13) while keeping the roller (21) inside the rail (12). (3) Move the cabin sliding door forward to bring the roller (21) into contact with the locking pin (13). (4) Move the stop (15) as far forward as possible toward the nose of the aircraft. (5) Mark the location of the stop (15) with respect to the rail (14). (6) Unlock the cabin sliding door and move it forward to gain access to the screws (19). (7) Hold the stop (15) aligned with the rail (14), and secure the stop (15) and the screws (19) at the location previously marked. (8) Ensure that the pin (13) locking mechanism (pin) locks the cabin sliding door in the open position. If the pin does not lock the door in the open position, before further flight, repair or replace the pin with an airworthy pin. (9) Bring the roller (22) into contact with the stop (15) of the rail (14). (10) If the roller (21) is completely inside the rail (12) with a minimum clearance of 3 mm from the aft end of the rail (12), the cabin door is properly adjusted and no further action is required by this AD. (11) If the roller (21) is less than 3 mm from the aft end of the rail (12), before further flight, repeat steps (1) through (10) until a minimum clearance of 3 mm is obtained. (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 2: 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 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter with the sliding cabin door closed or removed to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (d) This amendment becomes effective on September 12, 2000. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD T2000-285-005(A), dated June 30, 2000. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 21, 2000. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-21870 Filed 8-25-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P