AD 98-06-32 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, L, and L1 Helicopters

Models named: AS 332C, L, L1. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model AS 332C, L, and L1 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 (b) 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 as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of a main rotor blade horn eye bolt (eye bolt) bearing due to premature wear caused by an improper axial pre- load, which could result in loss of main rotor blade pitch control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD for any eye bolt currently installed, or prior to installing any replacement eye bolt, that has less than 500 hours TIS, grease and inspect the eye bolt assembly in accordance with paragraphs CC.1 through CC.3 of Eurocopter France Telex Service 39/ 0206/1997, dated July 25, 1997, (containing Eurocopter France AS 332 Telex Service No. 01.00.52 R1). If the expelled grease has a ``blackish'' color or contains metal particles, or if the rotational torque on the eye bolt exceeds 30,000 millimeter grams (2.655 inch- lbs.), replace the eye bolt bearings with airworthy eye bolt bearings in accordance with paragraph CC.4B of the Telex Service. (b) 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, Rotorcraft Directorate, 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. (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Eurocopter France Telex Service 39/0206/1997, dated July 25, 1997. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register 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 76137; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (e) This amendment becomes effective on April 2, 1998. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) Telegraphic AD 97-174- 063(AB), dated August 1, 1997. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 11, 1998. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-6966 Filed 3-17-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U