AD 99-23-17 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 epicyclic modules, part number 332A32-2007-00 or -01, with serial numbers with the prefix of ``M'', from 100 through 689 or 3000 through 3048, 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 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 in paragraph DD of Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 01.41, dated November 1995 (95-11) (SB), unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of the second stage planet gear of the main gearbox, loss of main rotor drive and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Inspect each main gearbox epicyclic module upper casing bearing attachment bolt (attachment bolt) in accordance with paragraph CC of the SB. (b) If any attachment bolt length is greater than 53mm (2.086 inches), remove the epicyclic module and replace the epicyclic module with an airworthy epicyclic module before further flight. (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, Regulations Group, 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, Regulations Group. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Regulations Group. (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with Secs. 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 compliance and inspection shall be done in accordance with paragraphs CC and DD of Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 01.41, dated November 1995 (95-11). 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 [[Page 62108]] 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 December 21, 1999. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 93-131-051(B)R1, dated January 18, 1998. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 2, 1999. Henry A. Armstrong, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-29611 Filed 11-15-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P