AD 98-12-08 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (Formerly Aerospatiale, Society Nationale Industrielle, Sud Aviation) Model SA- 365N, SA-365N1, SA-365N2, and SA-366G1 Helicopters

Models named: SA-365N, SA-365N1, SA-365N2, SA-366G1. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, SA-365N2, and SA-366G1 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 (c) 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 that reduce the strength of the main gearbox strut attachment and could result in failure of the main gearbox mounting, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) For Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, and SA-366G1 helicopters, on or before attaining 4,000 hours time-in-service (TIS), or within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later; and for Model SA-365N2 helicopters, on or before attaining 2,000 hour TIS, or within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later; perform the following: (1) Inspect the transmission deck for cracks using a dye- penetrant inspection method, in accordance with paragraph BB of Eurocopter France Telex Service No. 10011, dated February 24, 1995. If a crack is found in the transmission deck, repair prior to further flight. Note 2: A FAA-approved repair solution can be initiated by contacting the American Eurocopter Technical Support Department, ATTN: Manager, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527. (2) Replace the currently installed transmission deck support beams, part numbers (P/N) 365A21-3365-49 and 365A21-3365-CY, with reinforced transmission deck support beams, P/N 365A21-3365-JE-01 and 365A21-3365-JF-01, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No. 05.00.36, Rev. 1, dated December 16, 1996. (b) After completion of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, clean, prime and paint the affected areas of the transmission deck and the reinforced support beams in accordance with paragraph BB 2A of Eurocopter France Telex Service No. 10011, dated February 24, 1995. (c) 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, Rotorcraft Directorate. 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. (d) 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. (e) The inspection and repair or modification, if necessary, shall be done in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No. 05.00.36, Rev. 1, dated December 16, 1996, and paragraphs BB and BB 2A of Eurocopter France Telex Service No. 10011, dated February 24, 1995. This [[Page 30380]] 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. (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 9, 1998. Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 95-068-017(B) and AD 95- 067-038(B), both dated April 12, 1995. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 28, 1998. Henry A. Armstrong, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-14929 Filed 6-3-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U