AD 2003-15-51 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SE3160, SA315B, SA316B, SA316C, and SA319B Helicopters

Models named: SE3160, SA315B, SA316B, SA316C, SA319B. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model SE3160, SA315B, SA316B, SA316C, and SA319B helicopters, with main rotor blade (blade), part number (P/N) L3160-100-01, produced under a Parts Manufacturer Approval approved by Supplemental Type Certificate SH778GL, installed, certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of a blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) For helicopters that have a blade, part number (P/N) L3160-100-01 (all serial numbers), installed, within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 30 days, whichever occurs first, using a 10x or higher magnifying glass, visually inspect each blade root end bolt (bolt) and bolt hole for corrosion in a bolt hole or radiating from a bolt hole, or for a crack on a blade root end fitting (fitting) or in a bolt hole, in accordance with Part A of Rotor Trends, LLC Service Bulletin No. 01.03, dated July 9, 2003 (SB). (b) If corrosion or a crack is found, replace the blade with an airworthy blade before further flight. If corrosion is detected only on a bolt, P/N NAS1105, replace the affected bolt with an airworthy bolt before further flight. (c) For helicopters that have a blade, P/N L3160-100-01, serial numbers 600 through 671, installed, within 50 hours TIS or 90 days, whichever occurs first, conduct a one-time pull test on each fitting and blade root end doubler to detect disbonding in accordance with Part B of the SB, except that you are not required to contact or return a form to Rotor Trends, LLC. (d) If disbonding is detected, replace the blade with an airworthy blade before further flight. (e) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Contact the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance. (f) Special flight permits will not be issued. (g) The visual inspections and pull test shall be done in accordance with Rotor Trends, LLC Service Bulletin No. 01.03, dated July 9, 2003. 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 Rotor Trends, LLC, 1715 N. Pinal Avenue, Casa Grande, Arizona 85222, telephone: (520) 421-7482, fax: (520) 421-7458, Email: jmp@helisupport.com. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-SW-34-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (h) This amendment becomes effective on September 12, 2003, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2003-15-51, issued July 16, 2003, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 8, 2003. David A. Downey, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-21520 Filed 8-27-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P