AD 99-07-02 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, L, L1, and L2 Helicopters and Model SA 330F, G, and J Helicopters

Models named: SA 330F, G, J, AS 332C, L, L1, L2. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model SA 330F, G, and J helicopters, with main rotor blades, part number (P/N) 330A11-0020 (all dash numbers), P/N 330A11-0022 (all dash numbers), or P/N 330A11-0027 (all dash numbers), installed, and Model AS 332C, L, L1, and L2 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 otherwise 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 request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To detect a mislocated or improperly bonded main rotor blade (blade) leading edge stainless steel protective strip (strip), which could result in failure of the blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS): (1) Determine from helicopter records or log cards if the blade strips were replaced by C.T.I. Dallas. The helicopter records or log cards will have ``CTID'' stamped on them if C.T.I. Dallas replaced the strips. Blades with strips that were not replaced by C.T.I. Dallas need not comply with the remaining paragraphs of this AD. (2) Inspect the blade strips for correct positioning on each main rotor blade by measuring the distance from the tip cap-blade junction as shown in Figure 1. This distance must be 2228 mm plus or minus 15 mm (87.7 inches plus or minus 0.6 inch). If the strip is incorrectly positioned, remove the blade and replace it with an airworthy blade within 100 hours TIS (see Figure 1). BILLING CODE 4910-13-U [[Page 13888]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR23MR99.000 BILLING CODE 4910-13-C [[Page 13889]] (b) Within 100 hours TIS, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, inspect the strips for correct bonding using a bonding check by sound (tapping test). If a defect is found that is outside the tolerance limits, remove the blade and replace it with an airworthy blade. (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, 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. (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) This amendment becomes effective on April 7, 1999. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 97-293-078(AB) and AD 97- 292-064(AB), both dated October 8, 1997. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 12, 1999. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-6976 Filed 3-22-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U