AD 2008-14-04 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 355 N Helicopters

Models named: AS 355 N. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Model AS 355 N helicopters, certificated in any category. Reason (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: “This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued because it was found that the power drawn by the starter generators from the engines is above the consumption capacity at altitudes above 3,000 meters, declared for the engines of AS 355 N helicopters. Excessive power consumption of the starter generators reduces the engine surge margin, which can result in engine failure.” The starter-generator is a single unit that is operated both as an engine starter generator and after starting, as an operational generator. The EASA AD and the Eurocopter service bulletin refer to this unit as a starter generator. The starter generator requires energy from the engine to generate electricity. When the electrical current exceeds 100 amps, the load on the engine reduces the engine surge margin and may cause the engine to surge and flame out. Therefore, at altitudes above 10,000 feet, the maximum continuous current supplied by each starter generator must be limited to 100 amps to prevent engine surging.

Within 100 hours time-in-service or within 12 months, whichever occurs first, unless already done, do the following actions: (1) Install a limitation placard (indicating the new load limitation for the starter generator) on the overhead instrument panel, immediately below the ammeter. (2) The placard must state the following: Maximum continuous load per generator 100A If Hp>10000 ft. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD (f) None. Other Information (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Ed Cuevas, Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5355, fax (817) 222-5961. Related Information (h) MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive No. 2006-0338, dated November 7, 2006, and Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin, Revision 1, No. 01.00.52, dated September 14, 2006, contain related information. Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Tracking Code (i) ATA Code 2435—Electrical Power Starter Generator, 80—Starting. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 18, 2008. Judy I. Carl, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-14717 Filed 6-30-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Within 100 hours time-in-service or within 12 months, whichever occurs first, unless already done, do the following actions: (1) Install a limitation placard (indicating the new load limitation for the starter generator) on the overhead instrument panel, immediately below the ammeter. (2) The placard must state the following: Maximum continuous load per generator 100A If Hp>10000 ft. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD (f) None. Other Information (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Ed Cuevas, Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5355, fax (817) 222-5961. Related Information (h) MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive No. 2006-0338, dated November 7, 2006, and Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin, Revision 1, No. 01.00.52, dated September 14, 2006, contain related information. Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Tracking Code (i) ATA Code 2435—Electrical Power Starter Generator, 80—Starting. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 18, 2008. Judy I. Carl, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-14717 Filed 6-30-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P