AD 81-03-04

81-03-04 SOCIETE NATIONALE INDUSTRIELLE AEROSPATIALE: Amendment 39- 4058. Applies to Models SA315, SA316B, SA316C, and SA319 helicopters certificated in all categories. Compliance required as follows, unless already accomplished:

1. Within 10 hours' time in service after the effective date of this AD for helicopters with transmissions which have 390 hours' or more total time in service, or,

2. Before accumulation of 400 hours' total time in service for helicopters with transmissions which have less than 390 hours' time in service on the effective date of this AD, and,

3. Thereafter at intervals not to exceed 400 hours' time in service.

Inspect transmission components for possible excessive wear at the coupling splines of the rear output bevel pinion-to-vertical gearshaft of the main gearbox in accordance with instructions in Aerospatiale Service Bulletin No. 05.68 dated October 3, 1980, or FAA-approved equivalent for the Aerospatiale Model SA316 and SA319 series helicopters, or Aerospatiale Service Bulletin No. 05.16 dated October 3, 1980, or FAA-approved equivalent, for the Aerospatiale Model SA315 helicopter. (Except for model designation these bulletins are identical.) If the total displacement found by this inspection exceeds 1.00 millimeter (0.04 inches) before further flight replace the transmission with a serviceable like transmission.

Equivalent means of compliance must be approved by the Chief, Aircraft Certification Staff, FAA, Europe, Africa, and Middle East Office, c/o American Embassy, Brussels, Belgium.

This amendment becomes effective March 12, 1981, for all persons except those to whom it was made effective immediately by priority mail letter AD No. 81-03-04 dated January 22, 1981 (priority letter superseded telegraphic AD 80-19-51).