AD 98-07-20 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 with tail rotor blades, part number (P/N) 33A12.0010 or P/N 33A12.0020, 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 within 30 calendar days after the effective date of this AD, unless accomplished previously. To prevent damage to the tail rotor blades that could result in loss of a tail rotor blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Revise the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to include the following statement: FLIGHT INTO METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS THAT MAY PRODUCE LIGHTNING IS PROHIBITED FOR AIRCRAFT THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH TAIL ROTOR BLADES THAT HAVE BEEN REINFORCED AGAINST LIGHTNING STRIKES. This revision may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the RFM. (b) Installation of tail rotor blades, P/N 33A12.0050.01, in accordance with Eurocopter France Modification (MOD) 332A07-41.569 on the tail rotor hub modified in accordance with Eurocopter France MOD 332A33-0001.05, and replacement of electrical bonding braids in accordance with MOD 332A07-66.150 is considered terminating action for the requirements of this AD. (c) Remove the RFM limitation after the installation of modified parts as described in paragraph (b) of this AD. Note 2: Eurocopter France AS 332 Service Bulletin No. 64.00.22, Revision 1, dated February 23, 1996, pertains to the subject of this AD. (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) This amendment becomes effective on April 17, 1998. Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 96-099-059(B), dated May 9, 1996. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 25, 1998. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-8583 Filed 4-1-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U