AD 2009-06-01 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model EC 155B and EC155B1 Helicopters

Models named: EC 155B, EC155B1. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Model EC 155B and EC155B1 helicopters with a serial number (S/N) less than 6763, and with optional equipment OP 45C07 (OP 45C07), installed, certificated in any category. OP 45C07 is the helicopter provision kit (electrical and structural mount modifications) used to support installation and operation of a hoist. (1) To determine if your helicopter has OP 45C07 installed, review aircraft documentation, which should state if OP 45C07 equipment is installed, or (2) Perform a physical inspection for the existence of the 24 Delta hoist electrical female connector (MIL-C-5015 type connector), which is installed, just forward of the right-hand engine cowling and just below the right engine inlet. Figures 1 and 6 of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 25A085, dated June 1, 2007 (ASB), depict where the connector is located. Reason (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states that “the Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted by the discovery of a short circuit evidence in hoist connector “24 Delta” even though the hoist was removed from the rotorcraft. The short circuit generated sufficient heat to ignite the paint on the cooler support cowling near the hoist cut-off connector “24 Delta.” This condition, if not corrected, could result in a fire in this area which could propagate to surrounding zones.” This AD requires actions that are intended to address this unsafe condition.

Within 7 days, unless already accomplished, do the following: (1) Determine the orientation of the fixed connector “24 Delta” and if the large contacts are not oriented “aft,” re-orient the fixed connector so that they are facing “aft” by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1. and 2.B.2.a., of the ASB. (2) Immediately after each hoist removal until the electrical bonding braid for the fixed hoist connector “24 Delta” is installed, disconnect the hoist power cable by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2.b., of the ASB. (f) Within 1 month, install an electrical bonding braid for connector “24 Delta” by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2.c., of the ASB. (g) Factory-implemented modification MOD 0745C82 is acceptable terminating action for the requirements of this AD. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI (h) We have used a compliance time of 1 month rather than 3 months because of the serious consequences of an undetected short circuit and potential aircraft fire. Other Information (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, ATTN: George Schwab, Aerospace Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5114, fax (817) 222-5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (j) Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Emergency Airworthiness Directive No. 2007-0159-E, dated June 6, 2007, contains related information. Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Tracking Code (k) ATA Code 25: 2500-Hoist box; 1420-Hoist cut-off connector. Material Incorporated by Reference (l) You must use the specified portions of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 25A085, dated June 1, 2007, to do the actions required. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527, or at http://www.eurocopter.com. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas, or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas on February 19, 2009. Scott A. Horn, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9-4953 Filed 3-13-09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Within 7 days, unless already accomplished, do the following: (1) Determine the orientation of the fixed connector “24 Delta” and if the large contacts are not oriented “aft,” re-orient the fixed connector so that they are facing “aft” by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1. and 2.B.2.a., of the ASB. (2) Immediately after each hoist removal until the electrical bonding braid for the fixed hoist connector “24 Delta” is installed, disconnect the hoist power cable by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2.b., of the ASB. (f) Within 1 month, install an electrical bonding braid for connector “24 Delta” by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2.c., of the ASB. (g) Factory-implemented modification MOD 0745C82 is acceptable terminating action for the requirements of this AD. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI (h) We have used a compliance time of 1 month rather than 3 months because of the serious consequences of an undetected short circuit and potential aircraft fire. Other Information (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, ATTN: George Schwab, Aerospace Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5114, fax (817) 222-5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (j) Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Emergency Airworthiness Directive No. 2007-0159-E, dated June 6, 2007, contains related information. Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Tracking Code (k) ATA Code 25: 2500-Hoist box; 1420-Hoist cut-off connector. Material Incorporated by Reference (l) You must use the specified portions of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 25A085, dated June 1, 2007, to do the actions required. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527, or at http://www.eurocopter.com. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas, or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas on February 19, 2009. Scott A. Horn, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9-4953 Filed 3-13-09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P