Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14160 · Eurocopter France Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 Helicopters
Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters, with emergency flotation gear installed, certificated in any category.
This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC 155B, SA-365N and N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters. That AD currently requires inspecting the hydraulic brake hose (hose) for crazing, pinching, distortion, or leaks at the torque link hinge and replacing the hose, if necessary. That AD also requires inspecting the hose and the emergency flotation gear pipe to ensure adequate clearance, and adjusting the landing gear leg, if necessary. This amendment requires the same actions as the existing AD and adds another model helicopter to the applicability. This amendment is prompted by notification by the manufacturer and the European Authority that another affected model helicopter, the Model EC155B1, may have the same unsafe condition and should be added to the existing AD. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of a hose, resulting in failure of hydraulic pressure to the brakes on the affected landing gear wheel, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter during a run-on landing.
To prevent failure of a hydraulic brake hose (hose), resulting in failure of hydraulic pressure to the brakes on the affected landing gear wheel and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter during a run-on landing, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspect the hose for crazing, pinching, distortion, or leaks as illustrated in Area A of Figure 1 of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 32.00.09, dated October 27, 2003 (ASB No. 32.00.09), for Model SA-365N and N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters, and Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 32A004, Revision 1, dated June 16, 2004 (ASB No. 32A004R1), for Model EC 155B and EC155B1 helicopters.
(b) If crazing, pinching, distortion, or leaks exist, replace the hose with an airworthy hose before further flight.
(c) At the next 100-hour TIS inspection, inspect the hose and the emergency flotation gear pipe to ensure adequate clearance and adjust the landing gear leg, if necessary, in accordance with the Operational Procedure, paragraph 2.B.2., of ASB No. 32.00.09 or ASB No. 32A004R1, as applicable.
(d) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Contact the Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
