AD 2003-22-15 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA-365N, N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 Helicopters

Models named: SA-365N, N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model SA-365N, N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters, certificated in any category.

Within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 1 month, whichever occurs first, unless accomplished previously. To prevent fuel leakage, toxic fumes inside the cabin creating a fire hazard that could lead to a fire and smoke in the cabin, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) In accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2. of Eurocopter Alert Telex No. 28.00.31, dated January 14, 2003 (Alert Telex): (1) Inspect the fuel air vent hose (air vent hose) on the right-hand (RH) and left-hand (LH) side of the helicopter for chafing and fuel leakage in the interference areas. (i) Replace any leaking air vent hose before further flight, and (ii) Modify any non-leaking air vent hose by wrapping it with adhesive tape before further flight. (2) For any air vent hose with chafing damage, replace the air vent hose at the next 500-hour TIS inspection. (b) Inspect the length of each attachment screw of the latch support on the RH and LH sides and, if the length exceeds 12 mm, replace the attachment screw in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.3. of the Alert Telex. (c) Install spacers for the air vent hose on the RH side between the attachment screws of the latch support and the air vent hose in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.4. of the Alert Telex. (d) Remove one of the tyrap clamp supports from the LH side that secures the air vent hose to the 9° frame at the latch support in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.5. of the Alert Telex. (e) Install latch supports on the RH and LH sides, and the covering panels on the 9° frame in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.6. of the Alert Telex. (f) Inspect the doors for correct closing, and if necessary, adjust the position of the microswitches (if installed) and the latches in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.6. of the Alert Telex. (g) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Send the proposal to the Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA. Contact the Safety Management Group for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance. (h) The previously stated actions shall be done in accordance with Eurocopter Alert Telex No. 28.00.31, dated January 14, 2003. The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference 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. (i) This amendment becomes effective on January 5, 2004. Note: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 2003-028(A), dated February 5, 2003. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 31, 2003. Kim Smith, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-29223 Filed 11-28-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P