AD NUMBER: 2016-07-26

PRODUCT: Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters.

ACTION: Final Rule

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-23-02 for the aircraft listed above.

AD 2010-23-02 required amending the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to limit the never-exceed velocity (VNE) to 150 Knots Indicated Air Speed (KIAS) and to add a 1,500 ft/minute rate of descent (R/D) limitation beyond 140 KIAS.

Since AD 2010-23-02 was issued, a design change designated as modification (MOD) 0755B28 improved the dynamic behavior of the horizontal stabilizer such that AD actions are not required. This new AD retains the requirements of AD 2010-23-01 and revises the applicability to exclude helicopters with MOD 0755B28.

The FAA is issuing this AD to exclude certain helicopters from the applicability and restrict the VNE on other helicopters to prevent failure of the horizontal stabilizer and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective May 16, 2016.

FMI: AD