Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16794 · Eurocopter France (ECF) Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and D; and AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N Helicopters
Eurocopter France (ECF) Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and D; and AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N Helicopters
This AD applies to Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and D; and AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters with upper and lower fins assemblies, installed, that have a part number (P/N) as follows:
(1) For the Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and D helicopters, certificated in any category:
| Upper fin assembly P/N: | Lower fin assembly P/N: |
|---|---|
| 350A14-0020-00XX | 350A14-0021-00XX |
| 350A14-0020-01XX | 350A14-0021-01XX |
| 350A14-0020-02XX | 350A14-0021-02XX |
| 350A14-0020-03XX | 350A14-0021-03XX |
| 350A14-0020-08XX | 350A14-0021-04XX |
| 350A14-0020-09XX | |
| 350A14-0020-10XX | |
| 350A14-0020-17XX | |
| 350A14-0020-18XX | |
| 350A14-0020-19XX | |
| 350A64-1144-00XX |
(2) For the Model AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters, certificated in any category:
| Upper fin assembly P/N: | Lower fin assembly P/N: |
|---|---|
| 355A14-0522-00XX | 355A14-0521-00XX |
| 355A14-0522-01XX | 355A14-0521-01XX |
| 355A14-0522-02XX | 355A14-0521-02XX |
| 355A14-0522-03XX | 355A14-0521-03XX |
| 355A14-0522-13XX | |
| 355A14-0522-14XX | |
| 355A14-0522-15XX |
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified ECF 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 Union. The MCAI AD states that some cracks have been discovered in the spar of the upper fin on Model AS355N helicopters. Due to the fin design similarity between AS350 and AS355 helicopters, this AD action applies to both helicopter models. Modifying the upper and lower fin attachment is intended to prevent failure of a spar, loss of a fin, a separated fin hitting a rotor, and subsequent loss of control of a helicopter.
Within 30 days, unless accomplished previously:
(1) For Model AS350 helicopters with part numbers listed in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, modify each fin as depicted in Figure 1 and by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2., Eurocopter Model AS350 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 55.00.16, Revision 1, dated January 5, 2009.
(2) For Model AS355 helicopters with part numbers listed in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD, modify each fin as depicted in Figure 1 and by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2., of Eurocopter AS 355 ASB 55.00.12, Revision 1, dated January 5, 2009.
Note: Eurocopter Safety Information Notice No. 2315-S-55, Revision 1, dated April 21, 2011, not incorporated by reference, contains information about the subject of this AD.
We refer to flight hours as hours TIS. The dates in the MCAI have already passed; therefore, we did not use them in this AD. Also, some of the requirements are out-of-date, and we have not included them in this AD. We have also made some minor editorial changes for clarity.
The Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, ATTN: FAA Safety Management Group, Jim Grigg., ASW-112, Aviation Safety Engineer, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5126, fax (817) 222-5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(h) Special flight permits are prohibited.
