2016-07-26: Horizontal Stabilizer Structure

Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-23-02, Amendment 39-16491 (75 FR 68169, November 5, 2010), and adding the following new AD: 2016-07-26 Airbus Helicopters (previously Eurocopter France): Amendment 39-18471; Docket No. FAA-2015-4112; Directorate Identifier 2014-SW-043-AD. (a) Applicability 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. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as vibration during descent at high speed. This condition could result in failure of the horizontal stabilizer and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2010-23-02, Amendment 39-16491 (75 FR 68169, November 5, 2010). (d) Effective Date This AD becomes effective May 16, 2016. (e) Compliance 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. (f) Required Actions 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'' (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, Texas 76177; telephone (817) 222- 5110; email [email protected]. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (h) Additional Information (1) Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 01.00.60, 01.00.16, and 01.28, Revision 1, dated December 2, 2008, and Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin No. AS365-55.00.06, Revision 0, dated November 14, 2014, which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the subject of this final rule. For service information identified in this final rule, contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641- 3775; or at http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You may review a copy of the service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2008-0204R1, datedMay 21, 2014. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2015-4112. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 5310: Horizontal Stabilizer Structure.