Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11737 · Eurocopter France Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2 and AS-365N3 Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2 and AS-365N3 Helicopters
Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS-365N3 helicopters, with enlarged sliding doors, part number (P/N) 365A82-1142-0051, 0054, 0153, or 0154, installed, 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 (b) 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) applicable to Eurocopter France Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2 and AS-365N3 helicopters. This action requires inspecting the installation of each window panel on the enlarged sliding door (door). If any window panel is installed on the outside of the door, this AD requires installing and sealing the window panel on the inside. This amendment is prompted by the loss of a window panel in flight that was incorrectly sealed with the window installed on the outside of the door. This condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of a window panel in flight. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent loss of a window panel, impact with a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
To prevent loss of a window panel, impact with a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Visually inspect each window panel in any enlarged sliding door (door) for correct positioning on the inside of the door. See Figure 1.
(1) If the window panel is installed on the inside of the door, no further action is required by this AD.
(2) If a window is installed on the outside, before further flight, remove the window and reinstall using a new seal.
Note 2: The following optional procedure may be used to remove and reinstall a window, however, any procedure that results in the installation of a properly sealed airworthy window panel on the inside of the door is acceptable:
a. From inside the door, cut the seal (see Figure 1, item 3). Push the window out and remove remnants of the seal from the window panel and door structure.
b. Remove all traces of the sealing compound (see Figure 1, item 4) with methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), acetone, or equivalent.
c. Thoroughly dust the grooves of a new seal with talcum powder.
d. Fit the new seal to the window panel. The joint will be located in the lower center of the window panel. The clearance between the seal and the window panel should not exceed 0.04 inch.
e. Insert a 0.01-inch diameter cord (ripcord works well) into the seal slot. Position the cord such that the cord ends are on the top center of the panel).
f. Press the window panel and seal assembly against the door from the inside.
g. Gently pull outward on the cord ends, allowing the outer edge of the seal to pull over the door structure. Continue pulling cord around the window panel until complete.
h. Apply PR1222 sealant between the seal and the door structure. Wipe off any excess sealant.
Note 3: Eurocopter Telex No. 00097, dated November 9, 1999, pertains to this AD.
