AD 80-15-05

80-15-05 SOCIETE NATIONALE INDUSTRIELLE AEROSPATIALE: Amendment 39- 3845. Applies to Model AS 350 series and Model SA 365C series helicopters with spherical thrust bearing rear block P/N 704A-33-633-27 or P/N 704A-33-633-30 installed, certificated in all categories.

Compliance required as indicated, unless already accomplished.

To prevent the failure of the spherical thrust bearing rear block, accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next five hours time in service after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished, inspect the spherical thrust bearing rear block, P/N 704A-33-633-27 or P/N 704A-33-633-30 (hereinafter referred to as the block) to determine the serial number of the block and, if appropriate, comply with paragraph (b) of this AD.

(b) If as a result of the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, the block is found to have a serial number other than one listed in paragraph 1A, "Effectivity", of Aerospatiale Service Bulletin AS350 No. 01-03, dated July 4, 1979, or an FAA-approved equivalent, or Aerospatiale Service Bulletin SA 365 No. 01-04, dated July 4, 1979, or an FAA- approved equivalent, as appropriate (hereinafter referred to as the applicable service bulletin), return the block to service.

(c) If as a result of the inspection required by paragraph (a) the block is found to have a serial number listed in paragraph 1A, "Effectivity", of the applicable service bulletin, before further flight -

(1) Remove the block from service;

(2) Return the block to the factory in accordance with paragraph 1C(2) of the applicable service bulletin; and

(3) Replace the block with a serviceable block of the same part number which has a serial number not listed in paragraph 1A of the applicable service bulletin, or a serviceable block of the same part number which has a serial number listed in paragraph 1A, but which is also marked as noted in paragraph 1C(2) of the applicable service bulletin.(d) Before installation of blocks held as spares, inspect them and -

(1) Return to the factory those blocks which have serial numbers listed in paragraph 1A of the applicable service bulletin in accordance with paragraph 1C(2) of the applicable service bulletin; and

(2) Retain as serviceable those blocks which have serial numbers listed in paragraph 1A of the applicable service bulletin but are also marked as noted in paragraph 1C(2) of the applicable service bulletin.

(e) For purposes of complying with this AD, an FAA-approved equivalent must be approved by the Chief, Aircraft Certification Staff, AEU-100, Europe, Africa, and Middle East Office, FAA, c/o American Embassy, Brussels, Belgium.

This amendment supersedes telegraphic AD T79EU-9, issued August 14, 1979. This amendment becomes effective July 14, 1980.