AD 76-18-02

76-18-02 SOCIETE NATIONALE INDUSTRIELLE AEROSPATIALE: (formerly SUD AVIATION): Amendment 39-2710. Applies to Alouette III Models SE-3160, SA-316B, SA- 316C, and SA-319B helicopters, Serial Nos. 2032 and below, certificated in all categories.

Compliance is required as indicated.

To prevent failure of tail rotor control cables and the consequent loss of directional control, accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next 300 hours time in service after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished, replace tail rotor control cables, fittings, and guides with improved cables, fittings, and guides in accordance with Alouette Service Bulletin No. 65.72, dated March 29, 1971, and Alouette Service Bulletin No. 65.93, dated November 14, 1972, or their equivalents approved by the Chief, Aircraft Certification Staff, c/o American Embassy, APO New York, N.Y. 09667.

(b) Within the next 100 hours time in service after the accomplishment of the modification specified in paragraph (a) of this AD, or within the next 100 hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours time in service from the last inspection, inspect the cables for the proper tension, for exposed or broken wire strands, and for tearing of the wirelon coating.

NOTE: During the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD, particular attention should be directed to condition of cables in the areas of the fittings, pulleys, and cable guides.

(c) If an exposed wire strand or a broken wire strand is found in any cable or tearing of the wirelon coating of any cable is found as a result of any inspection required by paragraph (b) or (c) of this AD, before further flight, replace that cable with a serviceable cable of same part number and continue to inspect the cables in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 100 hours time in service from the last inspection.

(d) If, asa result of any of the inspections required by this AD, improper tension is found in any cable, adjust that cable for proper tension and continue to inspect the cables in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 100 hours time in service from the last inspection.

This amendment becomes effective on September 29, 1976.