Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16487 · Eurocopter France Model AS 350 B, BA, B1, B2, B3, and D, and Model AS355 E, F, F1, F2, and N Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model AS 350 B, BA, B1, B2, B3, and D, and Model AS355 E, F, F1, F2, and N Helicopters
Model AS 350 B, BA, B1, B2, B3, and D, and Model AS355 E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters, with a main rotor or tail rotor servo-control identified in Table 1, installed, certificated in any category.
| Component | Part No. (P/N) | Serial No. (S/N) |
|---|---|---|
| Main rotor servo-control | P/N SC5083 | S/N 270M, 272M, 409M, 423M, 452M, or 1573. |
| P/N SC5083-1 | S/N 2902 through 2921, inclusive. | |
| P/N 5084 | S/N 30, 84, 104, 186, 438, 575, or 695. | |
| P/N 5084-1 | S/N 1462 through 1481, inclusive. | |
| Tail rotor servo-control | P/N SC5072 | S/N 222M, 306M, or 309. |
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Eurocopter France Model AS 350 B, BA, B1, B2, B3, and D, and Model AS355 E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters, with certain main rotor servo- controls and tail rotor servo-controls. This AD requires replacing all servo-controls that are identified in the Applicability section of this AD. This AD is prompted by an internal review conducted by the manufacturer which revealed that some main and tail rotor servo- controls do not conform to the approved design. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the distributor slide valve jamming in its sleeve, leading to reduced controllability of the rotors and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
To prevent the distributor slide valve jamming in its sleeve, leading to reduced controllability of the rotors and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), or when a “hard point” is detected in the flight controls, whichever occurs earlier, replace each installed servo control that has a serial number listed in Table 1 of this AD, with an airworthy servo control.
Note 1: Eurocopter EASB No. 01.00.58 and No. 01.00.53, both Revision 1, and dated April 19, 2007, which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the subject of this AD.
(b) 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, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, ATTN: J. R. Holton, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, ASW-111, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-4964, fax (817) 222-5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(c) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 6730: Rotorcraft Servo System.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
Aircraft
