AD 2010-16-51 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA330J Helicopters

Models named: SA330J. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model SA330J helicopters, certificated in any category.

Required as indicated. To prevent rotor burst of the main gearbox (MGB) oil cooling fan assembly (fan), damage to the hydraulic lines and flight controls, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, do the following: (a) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless accomplished previously, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 hours TIS, using a 0.2 millimeter (mm) (0.008 inch) feeler gauge attached to a rigid rod, inspect for a minimum gap of 0.2 mm between a fan rotor blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing housing over the entire width of the blade as depicted in Figure 1 and as shown in Figure 2 of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.96, dated July 12, 2010 (EASB), and by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of the EASB. (1) If the feeler gauge can be inserted between the blade and the housing (a gap greater than or equal to 0.2 mm), no further action is required. (2) If the feeler gauge cannot be inserted between the blade and the housing (a gap less than 0.2 mm), before further flight, replace the two fan rotor shaft bearings, with two airworthy bearings, part number 704A33651114. Reinspect to ensure compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD after installing airworthy bearings. Replacing the two fan rotor shaft bearings does not constitute terminating action for the inspection requirements of this AD. (b) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Contact the Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, ATTN: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-4389, fax (817) 222-5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance. (c) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 6322: Main gearbox oil cooler fan. (d) The inspections shall be done in accordance with the specified portions of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.96, dated July 12, 2010. 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, TX 75053-4005, telephone (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3710, or at http://www.eurocopter.com . 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 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. (e) This amendment becomes effective on September 17, 2010, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2010-16-51, issued July 19, 2010, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 5, 2010. Scott A. Horn, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010-21578 Filed 9-1-10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P