AD 2003-19-01 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 365 N3 and EC 155B Helicopters

Models named: AS 365 N3, EC 155B. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model AS 365 N3 helicopters with MOD 0764B39 (Quiet Fenestron) and Model EC 155B helicopters with tail rotor pitch change control rod (control rod), part number (P/N) 365A33-6161-21, installed, 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 as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of the control rod, loss of control of the tail rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Remove the control rod, P/N 365A33-6161-21, and replace it with a reinforced steel control rod, P/N 365A33-6214-20, in accordance with the following table:   Remove the control rod: For control rods with: Before further flight 700 or more hours TIS. Within 20 hours TIS 500 or more hours TIS but less than 700 hours TIS. Within 30 hours TIS More than 270 hours TIS and less than 500 hours TIS. Note 2: Eurocopter Alert Telex No. 04A005, for Model EC 155B helicopters, and Alert Telex No. 01.00.55, for Model AS 365 N3 helicopters, both dated July 4, 2002, pertain to the subject of this AD. (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, Safety Management 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, Safety Management Group. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Safety Management 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) This amendment becomes effective on October 23, 2003. Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD No. 2002-472-057(A) for Model AS 365 N3 helicopters, and AD No. 2002-473-006(A) for Model EC 155B helicopters. Both AD's are dated September 18, 2002. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 9, 2003. Scott A. Horn, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-23830 Filed 9-17-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P