Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16714 · Eurocopter France Model SA-365C, SA-365C1, SA-365C2, SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-366G1 Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model SA-365C, SA-365C1, SA-365C2, SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-366G1 Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2020-10-02. Comply with the one in force.
Models SA-365C, SA-365C1, SA-365C2, SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-366G1 helicopters; certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) helicopters. This action requires visually inspecting the adhesive bead between the bushing and the Starflex star (Starflex) arm for a crack, a gap, or loss of the adhesive bead, inspecting the Starflex arm ends for delamination, and replacing the Starflex if any of these conditions are found. This amendment is prompted by three cases of deterioration of a Starflex arm. In two of these cases, the deterioration caused high amplitude vibrations in flight, compelling the pilot to make a precautionary landing. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent failure of the Starflex, high-amplitude vibrations in flight, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
To prevent the failure of the Starflex star (Starflex) arm, high amplitude vibrations in flight, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Visually inspect the adhesive bead between the bushing and the Starflex arm for a crack, a gap, or loss of the adhesive bead, and inspect the Starflex arm ends for delamination in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.1 and 2.B.2 of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 05.00.51 for the 365N series helicopters, No. 05.35 for the 366G1 model helicopter, or No. 05.28 for the 365C series helicopters, all Revision 3, and all dated August 18, 2008.
Note 1: The one Eurocopter EASB contains four different service bulletin numbers: No. 05.00.51, No. 05.35; and No. 05.28 for the model helicopters affected by this AD; and No. 05.00.21 for non-type certificated military helicopters.
(b) If there is a crack in the shockproof paint around the entire adhesive bead where the Starflex arm joins the bushing (as shown in Figure 2 of the applicable EASB), a gap between the adhesive bead and the bushing (as shown in Figure 3 of the applicable EASB), delamination of a Starflex arm end (as shown in Figure 4 of the applicable EASB), or loss of adhesive bead (as shown in Figure 5 of the applicable EASB), replace the Starflex before further flight.
(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: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Jim Grigg, ASW-112, Rotorcraft Directorate, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5126; fax: (817) 222-5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(d) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 6200: Main Rotor System.
