AD 98-06-36 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA341G and SA342J Helicopters

Models named: SA341G, SA342J. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Eurocopter France Model SA341G and SA342J helicopters, with tail gearbox support tripods, part number (P/N) 341A23-1136-00, -01 or -02, installed, 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 (d) 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 detect cracks at the welds of the tail gearbox support tripod, which could cause failure of one or more of the tripod arms, separation of the tail gearbox, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Before further flight, visually inspect the tail gearbox support tripod (support tripod), P/N 341A23-1136-00, -01 or -02, for cracks in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2(B)(1), of Eurocopter SA 341/342 Service Bulletin No. 05.32, dated July 17, 1997; thereafter, conduct this visual inspection prior to the first flight of each day, or at intervals not to exceed 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), whichever occurs first. [[Page 13514]] (1) If there is any doubt as to whether there is a crack present, perform a dye-penetrant inspection in accordance with paragraph (2)(B)(1) of the service bulletin. (2) If a crack is found, replace the support tripod with an airworthy support tripod. Note 2: The FAA has requested the DGAC to contact the type certificate holder and solicit terminating action that would eliminate the recurring inspection requirement of this AD. (b) Remove from service any support tripod, P/N 341A23-1136-00, -01, or -02, which has accumulated 9,000 or more hours TIS, and replace it with an airworthy support tripod. (c) This AD revises the Limitation section of the maintenance manual by establishing a new retirement life for the support tripod, P/N 341A23-1136-00, -01, and -02, of 9,000 hours TIS. (d) 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Standards Staff. (e) 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. (f) The inspections and replacement, if necessary, shall be done in accordance with Eurocopter SA 341/342 Service Bulletin No. 05.32, dated July 17, 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; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (g) This amendment becomes effective on April 6, 1998. Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 97-144-038(B), dated July 2, 1997. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 12, 1998. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-7247 Filed 3-19-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P