AD 2001-17-32 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, D, D1 and AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N Helicopters

AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, D, D1 and AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters, with tail rotor pitch change spider assembly (spider assembly), part number (P/N) 350A33-2004-00, -01, -02, -03, -05, or 350A33-2009-00 or -01, installed, and which do not incorporate MOD 076554, 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 (e) 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 detect rotation of the spider assembly bearing spacers, prevent seizure of the bearing, loss of tail rotor control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), install identifying index marks on the spider assembly in accordance with (IAW) the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.1, of Eurocopter France Service Bulletin (SB) No. 05.00.33 for Model AS 350 series helicopters or 05.00.33 for Model AS 355 series helicopters. Both SB's are dated May 15, 2000. (b) Before the first flight of each day, visually check that the index marks on the rotating plate and on the spacer are aligned. The visual check required by the AD may be performed by an owner/operator (pilot) but must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with paragraph (b) of this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.11 and 91.417(a)(2)(v). Note 2: This AD allows a pilot to perform this check because it involves only a visual check of the index marks on the spider assembly and can be performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. (c) At the following intervals, modify the spider assembly: (1) If bearing spacer rotation is detected, within 25 hours TIS, IAW paragraph 2.B.4 of the applicable SB. (2) If no bearing spacer rotation is detected, at the next 500-hour (“T”) inspection, IAW paragraph 2.B.3 of the applicable SB. (d) Modifying the bearing assembly with MOD 076554 constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD. (e) 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. (f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (g) The modifications shall be done in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1, 2.B.3, and 2.B.4 of Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No. 05.00.33 for Model AS 350 series helicopters or 05.00.33 for Model AS 355 series helicopters. Both service bulletins are dated May 15, 2000. 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. (h) This amendment becomes effective on October 4, 2001. Note 4: The subject of this proposal is addressed in Direction Generale de L'Aviation Civile (France) AD No.'s T2000-222-079(A) and T2000-223-059(A), both dated June 2, 2000. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 17, 2001. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-21747 Filed 8-29-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P