Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16461 · Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, D, AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N Helicopters
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, D, AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2013-23-10. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Eurocopter France Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, D, AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter model helicopters. This AD results from a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. The MCAI AD states that the AD is issued following a report of a crack discovered in the area of the center cross-member at station X 2325, at the attachment point of the yaw channel ball-type control sheath stop, of a Model AS355N helicopter fitted with the collective-to-yaw control coupling. Investigations revealed that the helicopter did not have the structural doublers, which are combined with the collective-to-yaw control coupling installation. Repetitive loads on the non-modified cross- member may cause it to crack. A crack can reduce the yaw control travel. This AD requires actions that are intended to prevent reduced yaw control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) or within 1 month, whichever occurs first, unless already done, determine whether the cross-member (numbered “1”) at station X 2165 and the two doublers (numbered “2” and “3”) at stations X 2325 and Y 269 are installed as shown in Figure 1 of Eurocoper Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 53.00.37, dated April 11, 2007 (EASB 53.00.37), for the Model AS350 helicopters and EASB No. 53.00.23, dated April 11, 2007 (EASB 53.00.23), for the Model AS355 helicopters.
Note: The one Eurocopter EASB contains 3 different numbers (Nos. 53.00.37, 53.00.11, and 53.00.23) for 4 different Eurocopter model helicopters. EASB 53.00.37 relates to 2 Model 350 (350 BB and 350 L1) helicopters that are not type-certificated in the United States; and EASB No. 53.00.11 relates to 4 Model 550 and 6 Model 555 military helicopters that are not type-certificated in the United States.
(f) If the cross-member (numbered “1”) and doublers (numbered “2” and “3”) are not installed, before further flight, inspect for a crack in the center cross-member (numbered “4”) in the area around the attachment point of the tail rotor directional ball-type control as shown in Figure 1 of EASB 53.00.37 for the Model AS350 helicopters or EASB 53.00.23 for the Model AS355 helicopters.
(1) If you find a crack, before further flight, replace the unairworthy center cross-member (Numbered “4”) with an airworthy center cross-member and comply with paragraph (g) of this AD.
(2) If you do not find a crack, before further flight, inspect the tail rotor control rigging.
(g) Within 55 hours TIS, install the cross-member (Numbered “1”) at station X 2165 and the 2 doublers (Numbered “2” and “3”) at stations X 2325 and Y 269 by following the Appendix and the referenced Figures 2 and 3 of EASB 53.00.37 for the Model AS350 helicopters and EASB 53.00.23 for the Model AS355 helicopters.
This AD differs from the MCAI AD as follows:
(1) We use the word “inspect” to describe the actions required by an inspector versus the word “check,” which is how we describe the actions allowed by a pilot.
(2) We refer to the compliance time as hours TIS rather than flying hours.
(3) We do not include the military model helicopters.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, ATTN: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5130, fax (817) 222-5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
