AD 2001-17-33 Airworthiness Directives; Agusta Model AB412 Helicopters

Models named: AB412. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model AB412 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 as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent wire chafing, inadvertent firing of the cable cutter cartridge, loss of a hoist hook and section of cable, impact with the main or tail rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Before operating the hoist or within 60 days, whichever occurs first, inspect and modify the wire harness in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico 412-83, Revision A, dated December 29, 2000, which constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD. Hoist operations allowed by the note in the Accomplishment Instructions utilizing a manual cable cutter are not authorized. (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 without any hoist operation to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (d) The inspection and modification shall be done in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions (except the note is not required by this AD) of Alert Bollettino Technico 412-83, Revision A, dated December 29, 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 Agusta, 21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate (VA) Italy, Via Giovanni Agusta 520, telephone 39 (0331) 229111, fax 39 (0331) 229605-222595. 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 September 14, 2001. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile (Italy) AD 2001-001, dated January 2, 2001. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 17, 2001. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-21748 Filed 8-29-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P