AD 2000-26-12 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model EC135 P1 and EC135 T1 Helicopters

Models named: EC135 P1, EC135 T1. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model EC135 P1 and EC135 T1 helicopters, serial numbers 0005 through 0094 with hydraulic line shielding hose DN 56 (hose), part number (P/N) L290M20X1 001, 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 (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 damage to the hose, leaking of accumulated hydraulic fluid to an area with an ignition source, inflight fire, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), (1) Inspect the hose in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A., of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin EC 135-29A-003, dated February 24, 1999 (ASB). If a damaged hose is found, within 25 hours TIS, replace the unairworthy hose with an airworthy hose in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of the ASB. (2) Install a nylon cable tie in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.C., of the ASB. (b) Inspecting the hose, replacing any unairworthy hose with an airworthy hose, and installing a nylon cable tie constitute terminating action for the requirements of this AD. (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, 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. (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 helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (e) The inspection and modification, if necessary, shall be done in accordance with Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A. and paragraph 3.B, of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin EC 135-29A-003, dated February 24, 1999. 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. (f) This amendment becomes effective on February 6, 2001. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 18, 2000. Henry A. Armstrong, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-33334 Filed 12-29-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P