AD 2002-14-26 Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Arriel Models 1A, 1A1, 1B, 1D, and 1D1 Turboshaft Engines

This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Turbomeca S.A. Arriel models 1A, 1A1, 1B, 1D, and 1D1 turboshaft engines. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Astar AS350D; Eurocopter AS350B, BA, B1, L1, and B2N; and Fennic AS550U2 helicopters. Note 1: This AD applies to each engine identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For engines 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.

Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless already done. To prevent uncontainment of the free turbine during an overspeed event, resulting in damage to the helicopter, do the following: (a) For Arriel engine models 1A and 1A1 that have incorporated modification TU 13, but have not incorporated modification TU 99 and modification TU 215, and for Arriel engine models 1B and 1D that have not incorporated modification TU 99 and modification TU 215, do the following within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: (1) Install containment shield ring in accordance with the Instructions to be Incorporated, paragraphs 2A. through 2C, (modification TU 254) of service bulletin (SB) No. A292 72 0206, Update 2, dated October 23, 2000. (2) Install double support around the reduction gearbox free turbine bearing housing, in accordance with Instructions for Incorporation, paragraphs 2A. through 2C, (modification TU 259) of SB No. 292 72 0208, Update 2, dated May 13, 1996. (b) For Arriel engine models 1A and 1A1 that have incorporated modification TU 13 and modification TU 99, but have not incorporated modification TU 215, and Arriel engine models 1B, 1D, and 1D1 that have incorporated modification TU 99, but have not incorporated modification TU 215, do the following within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: (1) Install additional containment shield ring, in accordance with the Instructions to be Incorporated, paragraphs 2A. through 2C, (modification TU 255) of SB No. A292 72 0207, Update 2, dated October 23, 2000. (2) Install double support around the reduction gearbox free turbine bearing housing, in accordance with Instructions for Incorporation, paragraphs 2A. through 2C, (modification TU 259) of SB No. 292 72 0208, Update 2, dated May 13, 1996. Alternative Methods of Compliance (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, Engine Certification Office (ECO). Operators must submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, ECO. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the ECO. Special Flight Permits (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with §§ 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be done. Documents That Have Been Incorporated by Reference (e) The modifications must be done in accordance with the following Turbomeca S.A. mandatory service bulletins (MSB's):   Document No. Pages Revision Date MSB No. A292 72 0206, Total pages: 8 All 2 Oct. 23, 2000. MSB No. A292 72 0207, Total pages: 7 All 2 Oct. 23, 2000. MSB No. 292 72 0208, Total pages: 8 All 2 May 13, 1996. 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 Turbomeca S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France; telephone: (33) 05 59 64 40 00; fax: (33) 05 59 64 60 80. Copies may be inspected, by appointment, at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale de L'Aviation Civile airworthiness directive AD 1995-069(A)R3. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on August 6, 2002. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 8, 2002. Jay J. Pardee, Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-18203 Filed 7-19-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P