AD 2003-08-06 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS350B, B1, B2, BA, and D Helicopters

Models named: AS350B, B1, B2, BA, D. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Eurocopter France Model AS350B, B1, B2, BA, and D helicopters, 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 (b) 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 flight, unless accomplished previously. To prevent a fire from spreading from the engine compartment through the firewall to the main gearbox due to a non-fireproof engine oil tank breather pipe (breather pipe), additional structural damage, and a decrease in the time available to execute an emergency landing, accomplish the following: (a) Modify the engine oil tank breather pipe to make it fireproof by installing a high-temperature silicone glass protective sheath, part number ASNA0199-024, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B., in Eurocopter AS 350 Service Bulletin No. 79.00.11, Revision No. 1, dated May 5, 2000. (b) 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 a 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. (c) 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. (d) The modification shall be done in accordance with Eurocopter AS 350 Service Bulletin No. 79.00.11, Revision No. 1, dated May 5, 2000. 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, and 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. (e) This amendment becomes effective on May 22, 2003. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 2000-268-078(A), dated June 28, 2000. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 8, 2003. Michele M. Owsley, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-9014 Filed 4-16-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P