AD 2010-09-01 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, C, D, and D1; AS 355E, F, F1, F2, N, and NP Helicopters

This AD applies to Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, C, D and D1; and AS 355E, F, F1, F2, N, and NP helicopters with a Goodrich Electric hoist, part number (P/N) 76370-XXX, which has not been modified per Modification (MOD) 073318 and with a hoist motor other than an AUXILEC, installed, certificated in any category. Reason (d) The mandatory continued airworthiness (MCAI) AD was issued following the discovery of a potential risk of an untimely squib firing that would cut the hoist cable. A short circuit in the hoist motor brush power supply wiring resulting in an uncommanded squib firing, which cuts the hoist cable, constitutes an unsafe condition.

Before the next hoist operation, unless already accomplished, disconnect the ground wire for the hoist squib wiring and test the hoist system to assure that the squib can be electrically fired (MOD 073318) by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Paragraph 2.B.1. through 2.B.4., of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 25.00.95, for the AS350 model helicopters or ASB No. 25.00.85, for the AS355 model helicopters, both dated November 16, 2005, as appropriate for your model helicopter. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD (f) This AD differs from the MCAI AD in that it: (1) Does not include the Model BB helicopters but does include the Model AS350C and D1 and Model AS355NP helicopters; (2) Does not require the actions specified in the Compliance section, paragraph 1 of the MCAI AD; (3) Does not address spares; and (4) Requires compliance before the next hoist operation instead of within 30 days. Other Information (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, ATTN: George Schwab, Aerospace Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0112, 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. (h) Special Flight Permits: Special flight permits may be issued under 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be done provided that the hoist is not used. Related Information (i) Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (EASA) Airworthiness Directive No. 2006-0164, dated June 9, 2006, contains related information. Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code (j) The JASC Code is 25: Equipment/Furnishings. Material Incorporated by Reference (k) You must use the specified portions of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 25.00.95 or No. 25.00.85, both dated November 16, 2005, 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 the service information identified in this AD, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527. (3) You may review copies of the service information 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 March 15, 2010. Mark R. Schilling, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010-9006 Filed 4-28-10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Before the next hoist operation, unless already accomplished, disconnect the ground wire for the hoist squib wiring and test the hoist system to assure that the squib can be electrically fired (MOD 073318) by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Paragraph 2.B.1. through 2.B.4., of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 25.00.95, for the AS350 model helicopters or ASB No. 25.00.85, for the AS355 model helicopters, both dated November 16, 2005, as appropriate for your model helicopter. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD (f) This AD differs from the MCAI AD in that it: (1) Does not include the Model BB helicopters but does include the Model AS350C and D1 and Model AS355NP helicopters; (2) Does not require the actions specified in the Compliance section, paragraph 1 of the MCAI AD; (3) Does not address spares; and (4) Requires compliance before the next hoist operation instead of within 30 days. Other Information (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, ATTN: George Schwab, Aerospace Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0112, 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. (h) Special Flight Permits: Special flight permits may be issued under 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be done provided that the hoist is not used. Related Information (i) Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (EASA) Airworthiness Directive No. 2006-0164, dated June 9, 2006, contains related information. Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code (j) The JASC Code is 25: Equipment/Furnishings. Material Incorporated by Reference (k) You must use the specified portions of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 25.00.95 or No. 25.00.85, both dated November 16, 2005, 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 the service information identified in this AD, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527. (3) You may review copies of the service information 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 March 15, 2010. Mark R. Schilling, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010-9006 Filed 4-28-10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P