AD 2000-22-19 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA330F, G, and J Helicopters

Models named: SA330F, G, J. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model SA330F, G, and J helicopters with a tail rotor blade (blade), part number (P/N) 330A12-0000-(all dash numbers), 330A12-0000-(all dash numbers), 330A12-0006-(all dash numbers), installed, 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 as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent fatigue cracking of a blade, failure of a blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Within 30 hours time-in-service (TIS), and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS for blades equipped with deicing systems or 30 hours TIS for blades without deicing systems, conduct skin bonding and eddy current inspections on each affected blade for skin bonding and a crack. Inspect in accordance with paragraph 1.C of Aerospatiale Service Bulletin 05.71R4, dated December 18, 1990. Replace any blade failing the skin bonding inspection or eddy current inspection before further flight. (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 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. (d) The inspection shall be done in accordance with paragraph 1.C of Aerospatiale Service Bulletin 05.71R4, dated December 18, 1990. 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. (e) This amendment becomes effective on December 19, 2000. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 30, 2000. Mark R. Schilling, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-28722 Filed 11-13-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P