AD/Dauphin/97 VNE Limitation (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/97 VNE Limitation 8/2008 TX

Applicability:

Model SA 365 N, SA 365 N1, AS 365 N2, AS 365 N3, and SA 366 G1 helicopters, all serial numbers, equipped with horizontal stabiliser part numbers:

365A13 3030 1906, 365A13 3030 1907, 365A13 3030 1908, 365A13 3030 1909;

365A13 3036 0001, 365A13 3036 0002, 365A13 3036 0003;

and delivered after 1 July 2001.

Requirement:

The following is required in accordance with Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletins 01.00.60 Revision 0 and 01.28 Revision 0, as applicable, or later EASA approved revision:

a.    The never-exceed speed (VNE) is limited to 150 Knots (Indicated Airspeed, IAS);

b.    Bond one or more labels to the cockpit instrument panel with the above VNE limitation indicated on the label(s), in a position that is visible to the pilot and
co-pilot.

c.    Insert a copy of this Directive into the rotorcraft flight manual.

Note:  EASA Emergency AD 2008-0110-E refers.

Compliance:

Before further flight after 11 June 2008, unless already accomplished.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 11 June 2008.

Background: The manufacturer has received reports of horizontal stabiliser failures on recently delivered Model AS 365 N3 helicopters.  The in-flight separation and loss of the failed sections occurred during acceptance test and training flights, as part of the VNE demonstration.  The cause of the failures is still under investigation.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

10 June 2008