Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS-365N2, SA- 360C, SA-365C, C1, C2, N, N1, and SA-366G1 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Eurocopter France Model AS-365N2, SA-360C, SA-365C, C1, C2, N, N1, and SA-366G1 helicopters. This action requires inspecting for broken or out-of-tolerance attachment springs on the tail rotor hub fairing (fairing), replacing broken attachment springs and attachment springs that are out-of-tolerance, and marking the fairing to indicate compliance with this AD. This amendment is prompted by three in-service reports of failed attachment springs. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent failure of an attachment spring, which could cause loss of the fairing, damage to the tail rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Agency Contact: Mr. Shep Blackman, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5296, fax (817) 222-5961.