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 Service Bulletin No. 05.00.51, or SA 365 C Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.28, as applicable; or later EASA approved revision. 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: EASA AD 2006-0245 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. The compliance time remains unchanged by this issue of the Directive. This Amendment becomes effective on 26 October 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. Amendment 1 is issued in response to a new EASA AD, which updates the Requirement documents from Alert Telexes to Alert Service Bulletins, with no change to technical content.

The original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 22 June 2006.

FMI: www.casa.gov.au