AD 98-06-04 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS332C, L, and L1 and Model SA330F, G, and J Helicopters

Models named: AS332C, L, L1, Model SA330F, G, J. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model AS332C, L, and L1 and Model SA330F, G, and J helicopters, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority provided in paragraph (e) to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any helicopter from the applicability of this AD.

Required within the next 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) for tail rotor gearboxes (TGB) with 495 or more hours TIS since manufacture or overhaul; or, for TGB with less than 495 hours TIS since manufacture or overhaul, required upon or before attaining 520 hours TIS, unless accomplished previously. [[Page 34792]] To detect excessive play between the splines of the TGB bevel gear and the bevel wheel and to prevent failure of the TGB, which could result in loss of tail rotor drive and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) For TGB that are not equipped with a tail rotor blade deicing system as shown in Figure 1, fabricate a steel angle bracket (angle bracket) (No. 1 of Figure 1) and an aluminum mount (No. 2 of Figure 1). (1) Place a tail rotor blade in the horizontal position with the blade's tip facing forward. (2) Immobilize the TGB input flange by placing a wooden block between the TGB input flange and the deck. (3) Secure the angle bracket on the TGB output casing with a nut (No. 3 of Figure 1) and a washer (No. 5 of Figure 1). (4) Secure the mount on the rotor shaft. (5) Secure the dial indicator gage (No. 4 of Figure 1) on the angle bracket. (6) Install the feeler of the dial indicator on the mount at the index mark which is 120 mm from the rotor shaft center line. (7) Using a dynamometer, apply a 1 daN (2.25 lbs.) load in both directions (indicated by letter ``F'' in Figure 1), 30 mm from the blade tip, to measure the total play. BILLING CODE 4910-13-P [[Page 34793]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR26JN98.002 [[Page 34794]] (b) For TGB that are equipped with a tail rotor blade deicing system as shown in Figure 2, fabricate a steel angle bracket (angle bracket) (No. 6 of Figure 2) from a 90 deg. formed steel sheet. (1) Place a tail rotor blade in the horizontal position with the blade's tip facing forward. (2) Immobilize the TGB input flange by placing a wooden block between the TGB input flange and the deck. (3) Secure the angle bracket on the TGB output casing with a nut (No. 7 of Figure 2) and a washer (No. 8 of Figure 2). (4) Secure the dial indicator gage (No. 9 of Figure 2) on the angle bracket. (5) Install the feeler of the dial indicator on the tail rotor hub, 5 mm from the spindle attachment bolt (Item A of Figure 2). (6) Using a dynamometer, apply a 1 daN (2.25 lbs.) load in both directions (indicated by letter ``F'' in Figure 1), 30 mm from the blade tip, to measure the total play. [[Page 34795]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR26JN98.003 BILLING CODE 4910-13-C [[Page 34796]] (c) Record the play measurement on the equipment log card or equivalent record. (1) If the play is 0.37 mm or less, comply with paragraphs (a) or (b) of this AD, as applicable, at intervals not to exceed 520 hours TIS. (2) If the play is greater than 0.37 mm and less than 0.52 mm, comply with paragraphs (a) or (b) of this AD, as applicable, at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS. (3) If the play is equal to or greater than 0.52 mm, remove the TGB and replace it with an airworthy TGB. (d) Brackets and mounts installed to perform the requirements of this AD, as applicable, are to be removed prior to flight. (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Standards Staff. (f) Special flight permits will not be issued. (g) This amendment becomes effective on July 13, 1998, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Priority Letter AD 98-06-04, issued March 4, 1998, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 97-322-067(AB) and AD 97- 323-079(AB), both dated November 19, 1997. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 18, 1998. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-17043 Filed 6-25-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P