AD 2010-20-20 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS-365N3, SA-366G1, EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365C, SA-365C1, SA-365C2, SA-360C Helicopters

Models named: EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-360C, SA-365C, SA-365C1, SA-365C2, SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-360C, SA-365C, SA-365C1, SA-365C2, SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-366G1 helicopters, certificated in any category.

Required as indicated. For a main gearbox (MGB) that has: Inspect: (1) Less than 250 hours time-in-service (TIS) since new or last overhaul. On or before the MGB reaches 35 hours TIS, unless accomplished previously, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS. (2) 250 or more hours TIS since new or last overhaul. Within 15 hours TIS, unless accomplished previously, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS. To detect a crack in the web of the planet gear carrier, which could lead to a MGB seizure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Either borescope inspect the web of the MGB planet gear carrier for a crack in accordance with the Operational Procedure, paragraphs 2.B.2. through 2.B.2.a.1, of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 05A007, Revision 2; No. 05.00.48, Revision 3; No. 05.26, Revision 2; or No. 05.33, Revision 2; as applicable to your model helicopter, or visually inspect the MGB planet gear carrier in accordance with the Operational Procedure, paragraphs 2.B.3. through paragraph 2.B.3.a.1, of the EASB applicable to your model helicopter. Each EASB at the stated revision level is dated November 16, 2009. (b) If a crack is found in the planet gear carrier, replace the MGB with an airworthy MGB before further flight. (c) 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: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5130, fax (817) 222-5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance. (d) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 6320: Main Rotor Gearbox. (e) The inspections shall be done in accordance with the specified portions of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A007, Revision 2, No. 05.00.48, Revision 3, No. 05.26, Revision 2, or No. 05.33, Revision 2. Each service bulletin at the stated revision level is dated November 16, 2009. 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, Texas 75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527. 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. (f) This amendment becomes effective on November 12, 2010. Note: The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency AD No. 2007-0288-E, dated November 15, 2007. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 22, 2010. Mark R. Schilling, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010-24725 Filed 10-6-10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P