Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18507 · Fuselage main, frame
Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter France)
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-366G1 helicopters, certificated in any category.
We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2013-08-17 for Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-366G1 helicopters. AD 2013-08-17 required initial and recurring inspections of the 9-degree fuselage frame for a crack and repairing the frame if a crack exists. This new AD modifies the compliance times and expands the inspection area of the 9-inch frame. The actions of 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) Within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS) after reaching the hours or landings threshold, whichever occurs first, listed in Table 1 to Paragraph (f)(1) of this AD or within 110 hours TIS from the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS, using a 10X or higher magnifying glass and a light, inspect the 9-degree fuselage frame on the right-hand and left-hand sides for a crack in the areas depicted in Figures 1 and 2 of Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. AS365 05.00.57, Revision 2, dated April 7, 2014, or EASB No. SA366 05.39, Revision 2, dated April 7, 2014, as applicable to your model helicopter. For purposes of this AD, a landing would be counted anytime the helicopter lifts off into the air and then lands again regardless of the duration of the landing and regardless of whether the engine is shut down.
| Helicopter model | Hours TIS | Landings |
|---|---|---|
| SA-365N | 11,490 | 22,980 |
| SA-365N1 | 10,490 | 20,980 |
| AS-365N2 | 9,140 | 18,280 |
| AS-365N3 | 8,740 | 17,480 |
| SA-366G1 | 8,390 | 16,780 |
(2) If there is a crack, before further flight, repair the frame. Repairing a frame does not constitute terminating actions for the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD.
