Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16491 · Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 Helicopters
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2016-07-26. Comply with the one in force.
Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3-helicopters, with a horizontal stabilizer, part number 365A13-3030-1901, -1902, -1903, -1904, -1905, -1906, -1908, -1909; 365A13-3036-00, -0001, -0002, -0003; or 365A13-3038-00, installed, certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter model helicopters. This action requires amending the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to limit the never-exceed velocity (VNE) to 150 Knots Indicated Air Speed (KIAS) and to add a 1,500 ft/minute rate of descent (R/D) limitation beyond 140 KIAS. This action also requires installing one or more placards on the cockpit instrument panel in full view of the pilot and co-pilot. This amendment is prompted by failures of the horizontal stabilizers on recently delivered Model AS 365 N3 helicopters. Tests indicate that the failures were due to a vibration phenomenon that may arise during the descent flight phases at high speed regardless of the stabilizer installed. The actions specified in this AD are intended to restrict the VNE, to prevent failure of the horizontal stabilizer, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
To restrict the never-exceed velocity (VNE) to prevent failure of the horizontal stabilizer, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, do the following:
(a) Revise the airspeed operating limitation in the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) by making pen and ink changes or by inserting a copy of this AD into the RFM stating: “The never-exceed speed (VNE) is limited to 150 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS),” and “The rate-of-descent (R/D) must not exceed 1,500 ft/min when the airspeed is beyond 140 KIAS.”
(b) Install one or more self-adhesive placards, with 6 millimeter red letters on white background, on the cockpit instrument panel in full view of the pilot and co-pilot to read as follows:
“VNE LIMITED TO 150 KIAS”
“R/D MUST NOT EXCEED 1,500 ft/min when airspeed is beyond 140 KIAS”
(c) 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: ATTN: Gary Roach, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone: (817) 222-5130; fax: 817-222-5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(d) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 5510: Horizontal Stabilizer Structure.
