AD NUMBER: 2014-07-52

PRODUCT: Certain Airbus Helicopters (previously Eurocopter France) Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters.

ACTION: Final Rule, Request for Comments

SUMMARY:  This AD requires repetitively inspecting certain reinforcement angles of the rear structure to tailboom junction frame (reinforcement angles) for a crack, and repairing any cracked reinforcement angle. This AD is prompted by a report that cracks were found in the reinforcement angles on several AS355 helicopters.

These actions are intended to detect a crack in the reinforcement angle, which if not corrected, could result in loss of the tailboom and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD becomes effective June 25, 2014 to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD (EAD) 2014-07-52, issued on March 28, 2014, which contained the requirements of this AD.  The FAA must receive comments by August 11.

FMI: AD