AD 2003-04-13 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA341G and SA342J Helicopters

Models named: SA341G, SA342J. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model SA341G and SA342J helicopters with electric hoist junction box (junction box), part number (P/N) 341A63-1103-00, installed with the 300 lb. Breeze hoist, P/N BL 16-600, P/N BL 16-600-11, or P/N BL 16-600-12, 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 (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.

Required before the next hoist operation, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of the hoist emergency load jettison switch, resulting in an inability of the pilot to cut the rescue hoist cable in the event of cable entanglement or other emergency and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Modify the limiting resistor in the electric hoist junction box in accordance with paragraph 2.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions in Eurocopter Alert Telex No. 45.05, dated July 8, 2002. (b) Modifying the limiting resistor is terminating action for the requirements of this AD. (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 2: 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 to allow operation of an unmodified hoist will not be issued. (e) The modification shall be done in accordance with paragraph 2.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions in Eurocopter Alert Telex No. 45.05, dated July 8, 2002. 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 March 17, 2003. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 2002-370-043(A), dated July 24, 2002. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 14, 2003. David A. Downey, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-4475 Filed 2-27-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P