AD 2007-03-14 Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Arriel 2B1 Turboshaft Engines

This AD applies to Turbomeca Arriel 2B1 turboshaft engines. These engines are installed on, but not limited to Eurocopter AS 350 B3 and EC 130 B4 helicopters. Reason (d) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2007-0006, dated January 9, 2007, states: This AD is prompted by several reported cases of rupture of the (hydro-mechanical metering unit (HMU)) constant delta pressure valve diaphragm on Arriel 2B1 engines, due to the wear of the delta P diaphragm fabric. Rupture can result in the loss of the automatic control mode of the helicopter, accompanied with a deterioration of the behavior of the auxiliary back-up mode (emergency mode). The loss of automatic control mode coupled with the deteriorated performance of the backup mode can lead to the inability to continue safe flight, forced autorotation landing, or an accident.

Unless already done, do the following actions. (1) Replace the HMU with a serviceable HMU before the HMU accumulates 2,000 hours-since-new, since-last-overhaul, or since-incorporation of Turbomeca Service Bulletin (SB) No. 292 73 2105; or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (2) Thereafter, replace HMUs with a serviceable HMU at every 2,000 hours-since-new, since-last-overhaul, or since-incorporation of Turbomeca SB No. 292 73 2105, whichever occurs later. (3) For the purposes of this AD, a serviceable HMU is an HMU fitted with a new constant delta P diaphragm in accordance with Turbomeca Service Bulletin No. 292 73 2818, dated October 18, 2006. FAA AD Differences (f) None. Other FAA AD Provisions (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. Related Information (h) Refer to EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007-0006, dated January 9, 2007, and Turbomeca Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 292 73 2818, dated October 18, 2006, for related information. (i) Contact Christopher Spinney, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-7175, fax (781) 238-7199; e-mail: christopher.spinney@faa.gov for more information about this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) None. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 29, 2007. Francis A. Favara, Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-1709 Filed 2-1-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Unless already done, do the following actions. (1) Replace the HMU with a serviceable HMU before the HMU accumulates 2,000 hours-since-new, since-last-overhaul, or since-incorporation of Turbomeca Service Bulletin (SB) No. 292 73 2105; or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (2) Thereafter, replace HMUs with a serviceable HMU at every 2,000 hours-since-new, since-last-overhaul, or since-incorporation of Turbomeca SB No. 292 73 2105, whichever occurs later. (3) For the purposes of this AD, a serviceable HMU is an HMU fitted with a new constant delta P diaphragm in accordance with Turbomeca Service Bulletin No. 292 73 2818, dated October 18, 2006. FAA AD Differences (f) None. Other FAA AD Provisions (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. Related Information (h) Refer to EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007-0006, dated January 9, 2007, and Turbomeca Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 292 73 2818, dated October 18, 2006, for related information. (i) Contact Christopher Spinney, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-7175, fax (781) 238-7199; e-mail: christopher.spinney@faa.gov for more information about this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) None. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 29, 2007. Francis A. Favara, Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-1709 Filed 2-1-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P