AD 2002-12-02 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS332L2 Helicopters

Models named: AS332L2. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model AS332L2 helicopters, with engine fire extinguishing bottle (bottle), part number (P/N) 862690-00, installed, certificated in any category. Note 1: Bottles with “Amendment A” noted on the bottle's indicating label (label) are not subject to the applicability of this AD. Note 2: 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 (c) 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.

Before further flight, unless accomplished previously. To prevent release of the fire-extinguishing agent into the wrong engine compartment, failure to extinguish a fire, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Visually inspect each bottle for correct connection to the bottle percussion heads and attachment cartridges in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1. through 2.B.2.2., of Eurocopter France Alert Telex No. 26.00.12, dated October 3, 2001 (Telex). (1) If the percussion heads and attachment cartridges are connected to the bottle correctly, record “Amendment A” on the bottle's label and on the Equipment Log Card (FME) of the bottle, close the sliding cowling, and remove the access equipment. (2) If the percussion heads and the attachment cartridges are not connected to the bottle correctly, reconfigure each bottle in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.4. through 2.B.4.4., of the Telex. (b) Before installing, inspect any spare bottle to ensure that the yellow percussion head is located below the pressure gage and that the gray percussion head is located opposite the pressure gage. (1) If the percussion heads are properly located, record “Amendment A” on the bottle's label and on the FME of the bottle. (2) If the percussion heads are not located properly, loosen the union nuts; appropriately interchange the percussion heads, tighten the union nuts by hand, and record “Amendment A” on the label and on the FME of the bottle. (c) 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. (d) 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. (e) The inspections and modifications shall be done in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1. through 2.B.2.2., and paragraphs 2.B.4 through 2.B.4.4., of Eurocopter France Alert Telex No. 26.00.12, dated October 3, 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. (f) This amendment becomes effective on June 27, 2002. Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD T2001-471-020(A), dated October 5, 2001. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 31, 2002. David A. Downey, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-14568 Filed 6-11-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P