Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11852 · Eurocopter France Model SA-365N, N1, and AS-365N2, N3 Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model SA-365N, N1, and AS-365N2, N3 Helicopters
Model SA-365N, N1, and AS-365N2, N3 helicopters with CENTRISEP EAPS sand filters, part number QB0261, QB0262, QB0486, or QB0487, 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) for Eurocopter France Model SA-365N, N1, and AS-365N2, N3 helicopters. This action requires inspecting the sand filter ejection nozzle (nozzle) for cracks and replacing any cracked nozzle. This amendment is prompted by the discovery of a cracked nozzle during a preflight inspection. This condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of the nozzle in flight, impact with the main or tail rotor, and a subsequent forced landing.
To prevent loss of a sand filter ejection nozzle (nozzle) in flight, impact with the main or tail rotor, and a subsequent forced landing, accomplish the following:
(a) Before further flight, and thereafter before the first flight of each day, visually inspect the left-hand and right-hand nozzles for a crack. Replace any cracked nozzle with an airworthy nozzle before further flight.
Note 2: Eurocopter AS 365 Service Bulletin No. 71.00.14, dated February 21, 2000, pertains to the subject of this AD.
