AD 2001-26-54 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model EC 155B Helicopters

Models named: EC 155B. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model EC 155B helicopters with a Smart Multifunction Display (SMD45H) as the primary flight display (PFD) or navigation display (ND), 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 before further Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) flight, unless accomplished previously. To prevent erroneous flight or navigation display information, produced by a faulty SMD45H, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Insert a copy of this AD into the Limitations Section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to prohibit IFR flight until the old part-numbered SMD45Hs listed in Table 1 of this AD are replaced. (b) Replace each old part-numbered SMD45H with the corresponding new part-numbered SMD45H as specified in Table 1 of this AD: Table 1—Retrofit Kit EC135-31A-002-2.C SMD45H Old part number New part number (1) C19209VF11 C19209VG11 (2) C19267VF11 C19267VG11 (3) C19267EF10 C19267EG10 (c) After replacing the old part-numbered SMD45Hs in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD, remove this AD from the RFM. (d) Replacing each specified SMD45H and removing this AD from the RFM are terminating actions 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 2: 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 will not be issued. (g) This amendment becomes effective on February 19, 2002, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2001-26-54, issued December 21, 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) AD No. 2001-439-002(A)R1, October 31, 2001. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 17, 2002. David A. Downey, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-2425 Filed 1-31-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P