AD 72-16-08

72-16-08 SOCIETE NATIONALE INDUSTRIELLE AEROSPATIALE: (S.N.I.A.S.) formerly Sud Aviation): Amendment 39-1490. Applies to Alouette Astazou SA3180, SA318B, and SA318C helicopters which have not been modified in accordance with Aerospatiale Service Bulletin No. 65.82 dated October 25, 1971, or an FAA-approved equivalent.

Compliance required as indicated.

To prevent possible cracks or failures of the half sleeves fitted on the flexirac unions on the main gear box to cooler oil line, accomplish the following in accordance with Aerospatiale Service Bulletin No. 05.39, amended November 10, 1971, or an FAA-approved equivalent.

(a) For helicopters fitted with half sleeves, P/N L.16.06, on-flexirac union assemblies, P/N L.16.03, before further flight unless already accomplished within the last 100 hours' time in service, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours' time in service on the half sleeves, replace the half sleeves, P/N L.16.06, by replacing the assembly, P/N L.16.03, with a new assembly of the same part number.

(b) For helicopters fitted with half sleeves, P/N LS.16.06, on flexirac union assemblies, P/N LS.16.03, before further flight unless already accomplished within the last 800 hours' time in service, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 800 hours' time in service on the half sleeves, replace the half sleeves, P/N LS.16.06, by replacing the assembly, P/N LS.16.03, with a new assembly of the same part number.

(c) Replacement of the half sleeves in accordance with paragraphs (a) and (b) may be discontinued when the flexirac union on the main gear box oil pump is reinforced in accordance with Aerospatiale Service Bulletin No. 65.82 dated October 25, 1971, or an FAA- approved equivalent.

This amendment is effective upon publication in the Federal Register as to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective upon receipt of the telegram dated June 15, 1972, which contained this amendment.