AD 2011-18-12 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (ECF) Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and D; and AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N Helicopters

Models named: AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, D, AS355E, F, F1, F2. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and D; and AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters with upper and lower fins assemblies, installed, that have a part number (P/N) as follows: (1) For the Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and D helicopters, certificated in any category:   Upper fin assembly P/N: Lower fin assembly P/N: 350A14-0020-00XX 350A14-0021-00XX 350A14-0020-01XX 350A14-0021-01XX 350A14-0020-02XX 350A14-0021-02XX 350A14-0020-03XX 350A14-0021-03XX 350A14-0020-08XX 350A14-0021-04XX 350A14-0020-09XX 350A14-0020-10XX 350A14-0020-17XX 350A14-0020-18XX 350A14-0020-19XX 350A64-1144-00XX (2) For the Model AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters, certificated in any category:   Upper fin assembly P/N: Lower fin assembly P/N: 355A14-0522-00XX 355A14-0521-00XX 355A14-0522-01XX 355A14-0521-01XX 355A14-0522-02XX 355A14-0521-02XX 355A14-0522-03XX 355A14-0521-03XX 355A14-0522-13XX 355A14-0522-14XX 355A14-0522-15XX Reason (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD states that some cracks have been discovered in the spar of the upper fin on Model AS355N helicopters. Due to the fin design similarity between AS350 and AS355 helicopters, the same corrective action applies to both types of helicopters.

Within 30 days, unless accomplished previously: (1) For Model AS350 helicopters with part numbers listed in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, modify each fin as depicted in Figure 1 and by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2., Eurocopter Model AS350 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 55.00.16, Revision 1, dated January 5, 2009. (2) For Model AS355 helicopters with part numbers listed in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD, modify each fin as depicted in Figure 1 and by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2., of Eurocopter AS 355 ASB 55.00.12, Revision 1, dated January 5, 2009. Note: Eurocopter Safety Information Notice No. 2315-S-55, Revision 1, dated April 21, 2011, not incorporated by reference, contains information about the subject of this AD. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI (f) We refer to flight hours as hours TIS. The dates in the MCAI have already passed; therefore, we did not use them in this AD. Also, some of the requirements are out-of-date, and we have not included them in this AD. We have also made some minor editorial changes for clarity. Other Information (g) The Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, ATTN: FAA Safety Management Group, Jim Grigg., ASW-112, Aviation Safety Engineer, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5126, 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 are prohibited. Related Information (i) EASA MCAI Airworthiness Directive Nos. 2009-0029 and 2009-0030, both dated February 12, 2009, contain related information. Joint Aircraft System/Component Code (j) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is: 5531—Vertical stabilizer spar/rib structure. Material Incorporated by Reference (k) You must use the specified portions of the service information specified in this AD to do the actions required. 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. (1) Eurocopter Model AS350 Alert Service Bulletin No. 55.00.16, Revision 1, dated January 5, 2009; and (2) Eurocopter Model AS 355 Alert Service Bulletin No. 55.00.12, Revision 1, dated January 5, 2009. (3) 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 . (4) You may review copies at the DOT/FAA, Southwest Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 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 August 19, 2011. Kim Smith, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012-365 Filed 1-23-12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Within 30 days, unless accomplished previously: (1) For Model AS350 helicopters with part numbers listed in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, modify each fin as depicted in Figure 1 and by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2., Eurocopter Model AS350 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 55.00.16, Revision 1, dated January 5, 2009. (2) For Model AS355 helicopters with part numbers listed in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD, modify each fin as depicted in Figure 1 and by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2., of Eurocopter AS 355 ASB 55.00.12, Revision 1, dated January 5, 2009. Note: Eurocopter Safety Information Notice No. 2315-S-55, Revision 1, dated April 21, 2011, not incorporated by reference, contains information about the subject of this AD. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI (f) We refer to flight hours as hours TIS. The dates in the MCAI have already passed; therefore, we did not use them in this AD. Also, some of the requirements are out-of-date, and we have not included them in this AD. We have also made some minor editorial changes for clarity. Other Information (g) The Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, ATTN: FAA Safety Management Group, Jim Grigg., ASW-112, Aviation Safety Engineer, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5126, 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 are prohibited. Related Information (i) EASA MCAI Airworthiness Directive Nos. 2009-0029 and 2009-0030, both dated February 12, 2009, contain related information. Joint Aircraft System/Component Code (j) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is: 5531—Vertical stabilizer spar/rib structure. Material Incorporated by Reference (k) You must use the specified portions of the service information specified in this AD to do the actions required. 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. (1) Eurocopter Model AS350 Alert Service Bulletin No. 55.00.16, Revision 1, dated January 5, 2009; and (2) Eurocopter Model AS 355 Alert Service Bulletin No. 55.00.12, Revision 1, dated January 5, 2009. (3) 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 . (4) You may review copies at the DOT/FAA, Southwest Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 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 August 19, 2011. Kim Smith, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012-365 Filed 1-23-12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P