AD NUMBER: 2008-04-03
MANUFACTURER: Eurocopter France
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2008-04-03
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter Model AS-365N2 and N3, SA-365C, C1 and C2, and SA-365N and N1 helicopters.

This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Technical Agent for France, with which we have a bilateral agreement, states in the MCAI: This Emergency Airworthiness Directive is issued following several reports of tightening torque loss detected on the main rotor hub (MRH)-to-main rotor mast bolted attachment.

These findings were made on EUROCOPTER-assembled attachments with less than 300 operating hours.

A loss of tightening torque on the MRH-to-main rotor mast attachment bolt could lead to loss of the main rotor head. This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition caused bya loss of tightening torque on the MRH attachment bolts.

FMI: www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/airworthiness_directives/