Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21624 · Fuselage structure
Airbus Helicopters
This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters, certificated in any category, except helicopters with Eurocopter modification (MOD) 53C17 or MOD 53D02, or Airbus Helicopters MOD 07 53D21 or MOD 07 53D22, installed.
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-11-02 for Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters. AD 2014-11-02 required repetitively inspecting frame number (No.) 9 for a crack. This AD was prompted by Airbus Helicopters developing a modification that provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by AD 2014-11-02. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2014-11-02, provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections, and reduces the applicability by excluding certain post-modified helicopters. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
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) For helicopters that have any repair or alteration to the frame No. 9, within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS, using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass, inspect the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) frame No. 9 for a crack in the area of the latch support and stretcher support, as depicted in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin EASB No. 05.00.63, Revision 2, dated December 20, 2018 (EASB 05.00.63).
(2) For all other helicopters, within 110 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS, perform the inspection in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
(3) If there is a crack, before further flight, repair the frame No. 9. Repairing a frame is not terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this AD.
(4) As an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this AD, replace the upper section of frame No. 9 with a reinforced frame, Eurocopter MOD 53C17 or MOD 53D02, or Airbus Helicopters MOD 07 53D21 or MOD 07 53D22.
