Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16590 · Eurocopter France Model AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-365N1 Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-365N1 Helicopters
Model AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-365N1 helicopters, with an aluminum tail rotor (T/R) blade pitch control shaft, part number (P/N) 365A33.6161.20 or P/N 365A33.6161.21, installed, certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) model helicopters. This AD requires replacing the aluminum tail rotor (T/R) blade pitch control shaft with a steel T/R blade pitch control shaft. This AD is prompted by an incident involving a Eurocopter Model AS-365N2 helicopter on which there was a loss of control of the T/R due to a broken shaft. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the T/R blade pitch control shaft, loss of T/R control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
To prevent failure of the T/R blade pitch control shaft, loss of T/R control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Remove the aluminum T/R blade pitch control shaft, P/N 365A33.6161.20 or P/N 365A33.6161.21, and replace it with a steel T/R blade pitch control shaft, P/N 365A33.6214.20, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Operational Procedure, paragraphs 2.B.1. through 2.B.3., of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 01.00.59, dated June 21, 2007.
(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: Jim Grigg, Aviation Safety Engineer, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5126, fax (817) 222-5961.
(c) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 6500: Tail Rotor Drive System.
(d) Replace the T/R blade pitch control shaft in accordance with the specified portions of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 01.00.59, dated June 21, 2007. 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 American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75053-4005, telephone (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3710, or at http://www.eurocopter.com. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas, or 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.
