AD NUMBER: 2010-11-51

MANUFACTURER: Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, C, D, and D1 Helicopters and Model AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N Helicopters
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2010-11-51

SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-11-51, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of the specified Eurocopter model helicopters by individual letters.

This AD requires visually inspecting the tail gearbox (TGB) control lever for a crack. If a crack is found, this AD also requires replacing the cracked TGB control lever with an airworthy TGB control lever. Optional terminating actions for the inspection requirements of this AD can be done by either replacing a TGB control lever with an airworthy TGB control lever that is marked with an "X' near the part number or stripping the rework area and dye-penetrant inspecting that area for a crack, and if no crack is found, reworking and marking the TGB control lever. If a crack is found, removing and replacing the cracked TGB control lever with an airworthy TGB control lever is required. This AD is prompted by several reports of cracking in a TGB control lever. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the TGB control lever, loss of tail rotor control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

FMI: http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAD.nsf/0/7274B4478F269926862577830058C6C3?OpenDocument /