AD 2001-25-07 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, L, L1, and L2 Helicopters

Models named: AS 332C, L, L1, L2. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, L, L1, and L2 helicopters, with any of the following part-numbered fuel filters installed, certificated in any category:   Vendor part no. Eurocopter France part no. -4020P25 (704A44620031) -4020P25-1 (704A44620034) -4020P25-2 (704A44620035) -4020P25-3 (704A44620036) -4020P25-4 (704A44620044) -4020P25-11 (704A44620037) 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 (d) 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. Note 2: This AD does not apply to aircraft modified per Eurocopter MOD 0726087 or in compliance with Eurocopter AS 332 Service Bulletin No. 28.00.38, dated March 15, 2001.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent power loss due to fuel starvation, an engine flameout, and a subsequent forced landing, accomplish the following: (a) Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS), after any subsequent flight during which either fuel filter pre-clogging caution light illuminates, and after each installation of a new fuel filter assembly or filter element: (1) Verify that the fuel filter by-pass valve (valve) correctly closes for each engine fuel filter in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.1. of Eurocopter France Alert Service Bulletin Number 01.00.56, Revision 1, dated March 15, 2001 (ASB). (2) Conduct a filter pre-clogging warning test in accordance with paragraph 2.B.2. of the ASB. (3) If a blocked fuel filter element (open or closed) is detected during the pre-clogging warning test, clean the filter assembly in accordance with paragraph 2.B.4. of the ASB. After cleaning the filter assembly, repeat the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this AD. (4) When the pre-clogging warning test result is satisfactory, repeat the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this AD. (b) Within 25 hours TIS, insert a copy of this AD into the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM), or make the following pen and ink addition to the RFM Emergency Procedure for fuel filter clogged caution light illumination: “If both fuel filter clogged caution lights illuminate, land as soon as possible.” (c) If both filter clogged caution lights illuminate in flight, after landing, either: (1) Accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(4) of this AD before further flight, or, (2) Replace both fuel filter elements with airworthy fuel filter elements and conduct a one-time direct flight to a location where the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(4) of this AD can be accomplished before further flight. (d) 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 Manager, Regulations Group. (e) Special flight permits will not be issued. (f) The inspections, tests, and cleaning shall be done in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1., 2.B.2., and 2.B.4., of Eurocopter France Alert Service Bulletin Number 01.00.56 Revision 1, dated March 15, 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. (g) This amendment becomes effective on January 25, 2002. Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD's 1998-318-071(A)R6 and 1998-319-012(A)R6, both dated April 18, 2001. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 11, 2001. David A. Downey, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-31040 Filed 12-20-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P