Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14622 · Eurocopter France Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, C, D, and D1 Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, C, D, and D1 Helicopters
Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, C, D, and D1 helicopters, with a Geneva Aviation, Inc. (Geneva) P132 Console installed in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate No. SH4747NM, certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, C, D, and D1 helicopters that have a Geneva Aviation, Inc. (Geneva) P132 console (console) installed. This AD requires installing right and left side Geneva cyclic control sticks and modifying the cyclic grips and the co- pilot cyclic stand (receptacle). This amendment is prompted by reports that pilots had restricted cyclic stick travel when using Eurocopter factory-installed cyclic sticks in a helicopter modified under a certain Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the installation of a Geneva P132 console. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent restricting full lateral movement of the cyclic control during high lateral center of gravity (CG) load operations in high cross winds and during slope takeoffs or landings and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Required within 60 days, unless accomplished previously.
To prevent restricting full lateral movement of the cyclic control during high lateral center of gravity (CG) load operations in high cross winds and during slope takeoffs or landings, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Remove the Eurocopter France installed pilot (right-side) and co-pilot (left-side) cyclic control sticks in accordance with paragraph 2.1 of the Instructions section of Geneva Aviation, Inc. Service Bulletin GA107-7, dated June 14, 2005 (SB).
(1) Install Geneva-manufactured cyclic control sticks, part number (P/N) G12316-26 (right side) and P/N G12324-26 (left side), or
(2) For installations with a “Bendix” cyclic grip, which has a 90-degree bend at the top of the cyclic control stick, install Geneva-manufactured cyclic control sticks, P/N G12425-26 (right side) and P/N G12426-26 (left side).
(b) If the base of the cyclic grip has a flange to help support the pilot's hand, modify both the pilot and co-pilot cyclic control grips by removing a 3/8 inch section of the flange in accordance with paragraph 2.2 of the Instructions section of the SB.
(c) Modify the co-pilot cyclic control stand (receptacle) by installing a blind rivet in accordance with paragraph 2.3 of the Instructions section of the SB.
(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 Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, ATTN: Vince Massey, 1601 Lind Ave., SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 917-6475, fax (425) 917-6590, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(e) Installing the cyclic stick and modifying the receptacle shall be done by following the specified portions of Geneva Service Bulletin GA107-7, dated June 14, 2005. The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Geneva Aviation, Inc., 20021-80th Ave. South, Kent, Washington 98032; telephone: (800) 546-2210; fax: (800) 546-2220. Copies may be inspected at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on July 7, 2006.
