AD 2001-18-51 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA.315B, SA.316C, SA 3180, SA 318B, SA 318C, SA.319B, SE.3160, and SA.316B Helicopters

Model SA.315B, SA.316C, SA 3180, SA 318B, SA 318C, SA.319B, SE.3160, and SA.316B main gearbox assembly (MGB), part number 319A62-00-000-1, 319A62-00-000-2, 319A62-00-000-3, 319A62-00-000-4, with one of the following serial-numbered MGBs installed, certificated in any category: 10007, 3-10204, 3-10206, 3-10272, 3-10335, 3-10377, 3-10382, 3-10424, 3-10434, 3-10437, 3-10441, 3-10490, 3-10574, 3-10603, 3-10640, 3-10663, 3-10676, 3-10709, 3-10710, 3-10712, 3-10731, 3-10751, 3-10753, 3-10766, 3-10804, 3-10814, 3-10853, 3-10902, 3-10927, 3-10943, 3-10950, 3-10951, 3-10988, 3-10989, 3-110, 3-11008, 3-11026, 3-11104, 3-11124, 3-11190, 3-11210, 3-11232, 3-11238, 3-11301, 3-11376, 3-11427, 3-11511, 3-11537, 3-11565, 3-11571, 3-11583, 3-11607, 3-11608, 3-11662, 3-11691, 3-11694, 3-11698, 3-11735, 3-11775, 3-2115, 3-2174, 3-2217, 3-2218, 3-2263, 3-2267, 3-2279, 3-2286, 3-2300, 3-2303, 3-2305, 3-2307, 3-2322, 3-2334, 3-2345, 3-2346, 3-2347, 3-2348, 3-2352, 3-2353, 3-2354, 3-2355, 3-2372, 3-2373, 3-2374, 3-2391, 3-2399, 3-2400, 3-2410, 3-2411, 3-2413, 3-2414, 3-2415, 3-2424, 3-2442, 3-2445, 3-2470, 3-2472, 3-2481, 3-2484, 3-2495, 3-2500, 3-2503, 3-2515, 3-2545, 3-2549, 3-2555, 3-2573, 3-2574, 3-2582, 3-2584, 3-2589, 3-2591, 3-2594, 3-2596, 3-2597, 3-2616, 3-2688, 3-2736, 3-2741, 3-2751, 3-2764, 3-2769, 3-2782, 3-2783, 3-2818, 3-2820, 3-2850, 3-2852, 3-2871, 3-2891, 3-2896, 3-2917, 3-2927, 3-2934, 3-2943, 3-2954, 3-2955, 3-2960, 3-3001, 3-3090, 3-3094, 3-3110, 3-3131, 3-3137, 3-3144, 3-3166, 3-3179, 3-3195, 3-3217, 3-3218, 3-3221, 3-3232, 3-3251, 3-3265, 3-3279, 3-3283, 3-3286, 3-3299, 3-3317, 3-3318, 3-3319, 3-3329, 3-3355, 3-3358, 3-3372, 3-3375, 3-3633, 3-431, 3-536. M-2013, M-2061, M-2072, M-2079, M-2139, M-2144, M-2145. NT-3378, NT-3380, NT-3404, NT-3423, NT-3429, NT-3443, NT-3447, NT-3449, NT-3467, NT-3474, NT-3490, NT-3502, NT-3509, NT-3539, NT-3552, NT-3560, NT-3586, NT-3590, NT-3620, NT-3653, NT-3671, NT-3676, NT-3722, NT-3724, NT-3729. 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 (f) 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 a loose splined coupling, spline wear, loss of power to the tail rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), re-identify the MGB, if appropriate, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.C., of Eurocopter France Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.40 or 05.99, dated August 7, 2001 (ASB), as applicable. Re-identifying a MGB in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.C., of the applicable ASB is terminating action for the requirements of this AD. (b) Within 10 hours TIS, accomplish the following procedures in accordance with the specified paragraphs of the Accomplishment Instructions of the ASB, except this AD does not require you to return the MGB to PILATUS. (1) Inspect the magnetic drain plug and the MGB oil filter for a rust-colored deposit in accordance with paragraph 2.B.1.a) of the applicable ASB. If a rust-colored deposit is found, replace the MGB with an airworthy MGB before further flight. (2) Inspect the angular displacement on the MGB output flange in accordance with paragraph 2.B.1.b) of the applicable ASB. If the angular displacement is 1 millimeter (0.039 inch) or more, replace the MGB with an airworthy MGB before further flight. (3) Take an oil sample and drain the MGB in accordance with paragraph 2.B.1.c) of the applicable ASB. If the oil is rust-colored, replace the MGB with an airworthy MGB before further flight. If the oil is not rust-colored, store the sample. (c) Between 40 and 50 hours TIS, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b)(2) of this AD and take an oil sample from the MGB. If the oil is rust-colored, replace the MGB with an airworthy MGB before further flight. If the oil is not rust-colored, store the last sample. (d) At intervals not to exceed 10 hours TIS, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this AD. (e) At each oil change, accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this AD, and compare the oil sample to the previous sample. If the oil is rust-colored, replace the MGB with an airworthy MGB before further flight. If the color is unchanged, store the last sample for future comparison. (f) 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, Rotorcraft Directorate. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Regulations Group. (g) 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. (h) The modifications and inspections shall be done in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1.a), 2.B.1.b), 2.B.1.c), and 2.C, of Eurocopter France Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.40 or 05.99, as applicable. Both service bulletins are dated August 7, 2001. 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. (i) This amendment becomes effective on October 31, 2001, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2001-18-51, issued August 31, 2001, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale de L'Aviation Civile (France) ADs T2001-366-059(A), T2001-367-062(A), and T2001-368-045(A), all dated August 13, 2001. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 3, 2001. Mark R. Schilling, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-25694 Filed 10-15-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U