Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21754 · Vertical stabilizer, spar/rib
Airbus Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2025-24-04. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters specified in paragraph (c)(1) and (2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters, all serial numbers.
(2) Model AS350B3 helicopters, all serial numbers except those that have embodied Airbus Helicopters Modification 073148 in production.
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-04- 15, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters; and certain Model AS350B3 helicopters. AD 2021-04-15 required repetitive visual inspections of the right-hand side of the vertical fin spar for discrepancies (cracking), and corrective action if necessary. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2021-04-15, and requires repetitive cleaning and repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of the vertical fin spar and vertical fin upper attachments, and corrective action if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also expands the applicability to include additional Model AS350B3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report that, during an unscheduled post-flight inspection of the tail cone area, a crack was found in the spar of the upper part of the vertical fin and fractures were found in the two front attachment screws. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0099, dated April 9, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0099).
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0099 refers to its effective date or to July 12, 2017, (the effective date of EASA AD 2017-0114, dated June 28, 2017), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not mandate compliance with the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2021-0099.
(3) Where EASA AD 2021-0099 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(4) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2021-0099 specifies to contact the manufacturer for approved repair instructions, for this AD, if any cracking is detected during any inspection, repair before further flight using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA. For a repair method to be approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, as required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.
(5) Where the service information referred to in EASA AD 2021-0099 specifies to perform a visual inspection for cracking on the “RH side of spar (a)” and “if you are not sure” remove the rear and the tail rotor gear box (TGB) fairings to perform a detailed inspection and do a dye-penetrant inspection, those actions are required by this AD if any crack indication (e.g., paint chips, dents, or swelling) is found during any inspection done without removing the rear and the TGB fairings.
(6) Where the service information referred to in EASA AD 2021-0099 specifies to perform a visual check for cracks in the “spars (a) of the top and bottom fins” and “if you are not sure” do a dye-penetrant inspection, the dye-penetrant inspection is required by this AD if any crack indication (e.g., paint chips, dents, or swelling) is found during any visual check (inspection).
(7) Where the service information referred to in EASA AD 2021-0099 specifies to check the integrity of the two thrust pad attachment screws for damage, for this AD, damage includes loosening, deformation, and nicks.
(8) Where the service information referred to in EASA AD 2021-0099 specifies that the visual check can be performed by an airframe technician or pilot, this AD requires that the visual check be performed by a qualified mechanic.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
