AD/Dauphin/86 Starflex Star Arm End Bushes (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/86 Starflex Star Arm End Bushes 8/2006 DM

Applicability:

Model SA 365 N, N1,

Model AS 365 N2, N3, and,

Model SA 365 C, C1, C2, C3, helicopters;

equipped with main rotor hub Starflex stars (all part numbers).

Requirement:

Visually check the condition of the adhesive beads on the bushes on the Starflex star arm ends in accordance with paragraph 2.B. of Eurocopter AS 365 N Alert Telex or Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.00.51, or SA 365 C Alert Telex or Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.28, as applicable.

If the bonding of a bush has failed or if a star arm end is distorted, before further flight, remove and replace the Starflex star.

Note:  DGAC AD F-2005-167 refers.

Compliance:

Unless the initial inspection is already accomplished, within 10 flight hours after
22 June 2006.  Thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 flight hours time in service.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 22 June 2006.

Background:

The DGAC received reports of two cases of deterioration of a Starflex star arm end.  In one of these cases, the deterioration caused in-flight high amplitude vibrations, compelling the pilot to carry out a precautionary landing.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

19 June 2006