AD 2010-19-05 Airworthiness Directives Eurocopter France (ECF) Model SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 Helicopters

Models named: SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, EC155B1. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Model SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters, with a fenestron tail rotor blade (blade), part number 365A12-0060-01 or 365A12-0070-00, installed, certificated in any category. Reason (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD reports the separation and loss of a stainless steel ring (75 mm in diameter) from a blade sleeve resulting in severe, high-frequency vibrations, which can lead to damage to the fenestron blades, loss of yaw control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Required as indicated: (1) For the Model SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters, within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless done previously, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 hours TIS, inspect each blade of the fenestron tail rotor to determine whether there has been any outward slippage (toward the shroud) of the stainless steel ring that is around the sleeve of each blade where the blade enters the fenestron hub as depicted in Appendix 1 and by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.1., of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.00.49, dated March 1, 2006. (2) For the Model EC 155B or B1 helicopters, within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless done previously, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS, inspect each blade of the fenestron tail rotor to determine whether there has been any outward slippage (toward the shroud) of the stainless steel ring that is around the sleeve of each blade where the blade enters the fenestron hub as depicted in Appendix 1 and by following paragraph 2.B.1., of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A011, dated March 1, 2006. (3) If the stainless steel ring has slipped outward, before further flight, replace the blade with an airworthy blade. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD (f) We refer to flying hours as hours time-in-service. Also, we use “inspect” rather than “check” to describe the action to be taken in the AD. We use a different initial compliance time. Other Information (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Safety Management Group, Attn: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Gary Roach, ASW-111, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Guidance Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5130, 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 (h) European Aviation Safety Agency MCAI Airworthiness Directive No. 2006-0099, dated April 24, 2006, contains related information. Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code (i) The JASC Code is 6400: Tail Rotor. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use the specified portions of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletins No. 05A011 and No. 05.00.49, both dated March 1, 2006, 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 (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3710, or at http://www.eurocopter.com. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; 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 September 3, 2010. Kim Smith, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010-23098 Filed 9-21-10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Required as indicated: (1) For the Model SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters, within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless done previously, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 hours TIS, inspect each blade of the fenestron tail rotor to determine whether there has been any outward slippage (toward the shroud) of the stainless steel ring that is around the sleeve of each blade where the blade enters the fenestron hub as depicted in Appendix 1 and by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.1., of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.00.49, dated March 1, 2006. (2) For the Model EC 155B or B1 helicopters, within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless done previously, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS, inspect each blade of the fenestron tail rotor to determine whether there has been any outward slippage (toward the shroud) of the stainless steel ring that is around the sleeve of each blade where the blade enters the fenestron hub as depicted in Appendix 1 and by following paragraph 2.B.1., of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A011, dated March 1, 2006. (3) If the stainless steel ring has slipped outward, before further flight, replace the blade with an airworthy blade. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD (f) We refer to flying hours as hours time-in-service. Also, we use “inspect” rather than “check” to describe the action to be taken in the AD. We use a different initial compliance time. Other Information (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Safety Management Group, Attn: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Gary Roach, ASW-111, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Guidance Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5130, 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 (h) European Aviation Safety Agency MCAI Airworthiness Directive No. 2006-0099, dated April 24, 2006, contains related information. Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code (i) The JASC Code is 6400: Tail Rotor. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use the specified portions of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletins No. 05A011 and No. 05.00.49, both dated March 1, 2006, 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 (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3710, or at http://www.eurocopter.com. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; 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 September 3, 2010. Kim Smith, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010-23098 Filed 9-21-10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P