Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17434 · Fuselage main, frame
Eurocopter France Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2016-09-09. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-366G1 helicopters, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-366G1 helicopters. This AD requires an initial and recurring inspection of the 9-degree frame for a crack, and repair of the frame if there is a crack. This AD was prompted by the discovery of a crack in the 9-degree frame of a Eurocopter Model AS-365N2 helicopter, and these cracks could develop on the other specified model helicopters because they contain the same 9-degree frame. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect a crack in the 9-degree frame to prevent loss of structural integrity and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time.
(1) On or before the affected model helicopters reach the hours time-in-service (TIS) listed in Table 1 to Paragraph (e)(1) of this AD or within 10 hours TIS, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS, using a 10X or higher magnifying glass, inspect the inner angles and flanges of the 9-degree fuselage frame on the right-hand and left-hand sides for a crack in the area depicted in Figure 1 and Figure 2 of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 05.00.57, Revision 1, dated March 31, 2010, or Eurocopter EASB No. 05.39, Revision 1, dated March 31, 2010, as applicable to your model helicopter.
| Helicopter model | Hours TIS |
|---|---|
| SA-365N | 8,990 |
| SA-365N1 | 9,990 |
| AS-365N2 | 3,190 |
| AS 365 N3 | 2,090 |
| SA-366G1 | 9,990 |
(2) If there is a crack, before further flight, repair the frame. Repairing a frame does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD.
