Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N Helicopters

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2002-21-51, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Eurocopter France (ECF) helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires certain checks of the magnetic chip detector plug (chip detector) for any metal particles and the main gearbox (MGB) oil-sight glass for dark-colored oil. If any of these are present, the AD requires inspecting the lubrication pump (pump) and, if necessary, replacing the MGB and the pump with an airworthy MGB and pump. Also, this AD requires that a different MGB or pump with any time-in-service (TIS) must meet the requirements of this AD before being installed. This AD was prompted by four reports of malfunctions of the MGB pump. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the MGB pump, seizure of the MGB, loss of drive to an engine and main rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.