Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18471 · Horizontal stabilizer structure
Airbus Helicopters (previously Eurocopter France)
This AD applies to 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, except those with modification 0755B28 installed, certificated in any category.
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-23-02 for Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS- 365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters. AD 2010-23-02 required 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. Since we issued AD 2010-23-02, a design change designated as modification (MOD) 0755B28 improved the dynamic behavior of the horizontal stabilizer such that AD actions are not required. This new AD retains the requirements of AD 2010-23-01 and revises the applicability to exclude helicopters with MOD 0755B28. We are issuing this AD to exclude certain helicopters from the applicability and restrict the VNE on other helicopters to prevent failure of the horizontal stabilizer 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.
Before further flight:
(1) 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.”
(2) 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” and “R/D MUST NOT EXCEED 1,500 ft/min when airspeed is beyond 140 KIAS”
