Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11625 · Eurocopter France Model AS355N Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model AS355N Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2002-22-16. Comply with the one in force.
Model AS355N helicopters, certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Eurocopter France Model AS355N helicopters. This action requires inspecting the: 4 engine exhaust pipe ejector attachment lugs (lugs) for cracks; starter-generator (S-G) shaft for radial play; S-G attachment flange for cracks; and S-G attachment half- clamps for cracks. This amendment is prompted by 9 reports of S-G damage; 3 reports of the discovery of cracks in the lugs; and 1 report of an in-flight loss of the exhaust pipe ejector. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent separation of an engine exhaust pipe ejector from the helicopter, which could result in a tail rotor strike and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
To prevent separation of an engine exhaust pipe ejector from the helicopter, which could result in a tail rotor strike and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) In accordance with paragraph BB of Eurocopter France Service Telex No. 00095, dated October 27, 1999 (Telex) that references Service Telex No. 01.00.45, visually inspect the:
(1) 4 engine exhaust pipe ejector attachment lugs (lugs) for any crack;
(2) starter-generator (S-G) shaft for radial play;
(3) S-G attachment flange for any crack; and
(4) S-G attachment half-clamps for any crack.
(b) If a crack is found in either the lugs, the S-G attachment flange, or the S-G attachment half-clamps, repair or replace the cracked part with an airworthy part prior to further flight.
(c) If radial play is discovered in the S-G, replace it with an airworthy S-G prior to further flight.
