AD 98-12-16 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA 330F, G, and J Helicopters

Models named: SA 330 F, G, J. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model SA 330 F, 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 (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 prevent loss of the inclined drive shaft fairing hinge pin (hinge pin), that could result in loss of the inclined drive shaft fairing, impact with the tail rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Within 7 calendar days after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter, upon the completion of the last flight of each day, visually inspect the intermediate gearbox (IGB) fairing safety stop (safety stop) and the hinge pin in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Eurocopter France SA 330 Service Bulletin No. 54.20, Revision 1, dated February 27, 1996. (1) Inspect the IGB fairing safety stop, part number (P/N) 330A24-2086-20, for cracks, crazing, and edge wear that exceeds the limits stated in Note II of the Accomplishment Instructions of Eurocopter France SA 330 Service Bulletin No. 54.20, Revision 1, dated February 27, 1996, and if cracks, crazing, or edge wear that exceeds the established limits is detected, remove the safety stop and replace it with an airworthy safety stop; and, (2) Inspect the hinge pin to ensure it is properly locked. (b) Within 60 calendar days after the effective date of this AD, install an additional safety stop, P/N 330A24-2119-21, to prevent the hinge pin from backing out of its hole in case of a locking arm failure, in accordance with Accomplishment Instructions of Eurocopter France SA 330 Service Bulletin No. 54.20, Revision 1, dated February 27, 1996. (c) Installation of an airworthy additional safety stop, P/N 330A24-2119-21, constitutes terminating action for the requirements 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 2: 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 inspection shall be done in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Eurocopter France SA 330 Service Bulletin No. 54.20, Revision 1, dated February 27, 1996. 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. 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 [[Page 31350]] Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (g) This amendment becomes effective on July 14, 1998. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 96-095-076(B), dated April 24, 1996. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 29, 1998. Henry A. Armstrong, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-15199 Filed 6-8-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U