AD/Dauphin/81 Tail Rotor Blade Sleeve (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters

AD/DAUPHIN/81 Tail Rotor Blade Sleeve 10/2005 TX

Applicability:

Models SA 365 N1 and AS 365 N2, N3 helicopters.

Requirement:

Check the stainless steel ring on the sleeve of each tail rotor blade in accordance with paragraph 2.B.1. of Eurocopter AS 365 Alert Telex No. 05.00.49.

If the stainless steel ring has moved, before further flight, replace the affected tail rotor blade.

Note:  DGAC Emergency AD UF-2005-144 refers.

Compliance:

Within 15 flight hours after 10 August 2005.  After initial compliance, not later than the last flight of the day check (ALF), without exceeding 15 flight hours.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 10 August 2005.

Background:

The DGAC received a report of a case of separation and loss of the stainless steel ring from a tail rotor blade sleeve, which resulted in high vibration.  Such vibration could lead to damage to the Fenestron rotor blades and loss of yaw control.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

8 August 2005