AD 2003-11-08 Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Arriel -1B, -1D, and -1D1 Series Turboshaft Engines

This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Turbomeca S.A. Arriel -1B, -1D, and -1D1 series turboshaft engines. These engines are installed on, but not limited to Eurocopter AS-350B “Astar” 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 at the next engine shop visit, but no later than August 31, 2003, unless already done. To prevent 2nd stage gas generator turbine blade failure resulting in uncommanded engine in-flight shutdown, do the following: (a) For Arriel -1B engines, replace TU 204 Standard modules M03 with modules M03 not modified to TU 204 standard, in accordance with Paragraphs 2.A. through 2.C. of Turbomeca S.A. Service Bulletin (SB) No. 292 72 0258, Update No. 1, dated April 4, 2002. (b) For Arriel -1D and -1D1 engines, replace TU 204 Standard modules M03 with modules M03 not modified to TU 204 standard, in accordance with Paragraphs 2.A. through 2.C. of Turbomeca S.A. SB No. 292 72 0265, Update No. 1, dated August 18, 2000. 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 request 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 actions must be done in accordance with the following Turbomeca S.A. service bulletins (SBs):   Document No. Pages Revision Date SB No. 292 72 0258 All Update No. 1 April 4, 2002. Total pages: 8 SB No. 292 72 0265 All Update No. 1 August 18, 2000. Total pages: 6 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., 64511 Bordes Cedex, France; telephone 33 05 59 64 40 00; fax 33 05 59 64 60 80. Copies may be inspected 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 2002-258(A), dated May 15, 2002. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 3, 2003. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 16, 2003. Francis A. Favara, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-13113 Filed 5-28-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P