AD 76-02-02

76-02-02 SOCIETE NATIONALE INDUSTRIELLE AEROSPATIALE: Amendment 39- 2495. Applies to Model SA341G "Gazelle" helicopters, certificated in all categories, equipped with horizontal transmission shafts P/N's 341A.34.1106.00, .01, .02, or .03, or coupling shafts P/N's 341A.34.1114.00, .01, or .02, or bearing attachment straps P/N 341A.34.1033.00.

Compliance is required as indicated, unless already accomplished.

To prevent possible failure of tail rotor drive system components and possible loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next 10 hours' time in service after the effective date of this AD, paint an alignment index line on bushings of the horizontal transmission shafts, P/N's 341A.34.1106.00, .01, or .03, and coupling shafts, P/N's 341A.34.1114.00, .01, or .02, to enable detection of relative rotation between bushings and shaft.

(b) Upon the accomplishment of paragraph (a) of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 hours' time in service since the last inspection, inspect the bushings on both the horizontal transmission shaft and the coupling shaft for relative rotation between the bushings and the shaft, and rectify, as necessary, in accordance with subparagraph 1C(2) or Gazelle Service Bulletin No. 05.07, as revised June 18, 1975, or an FAA-approved equivalent.

(c) Within the next 10 hours' time in service after the effective date of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 hours' time in service, since the last inspection, inspect the bearings on the coupling shaft and horizontal transmission shaft for grease leaks, rust run-outs, or seal damage and rectify, as necessary, in accordance with subparagraph 1C(3) of Gazelle Service Bulletin No. 05.07, as revised June 18, 1975, or an FAA-approved equivalent.

(d) Within the next 10 hours' time in service after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours' time in service since the last inspection for assemblies 341A.34.1106.00, .01, and 341A.34.1114.00, or at intervals not to exceed 100 hours' time in service since the last inspection for assemblies 341A.34.1106.02, .03, and 341A.34.1114.01, .02, inspect bearings and attachment straps, and rectify, as necessary, in accordance with subparagraph 1C(4) of Gazelle Service Bulletin No. 05.07, as revised June 18, 1975, or an FAA-approved equivalent.

This amendment becomes effective on January 30, 1976.