Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter France) and Eurocopter France Helicopters

FAA / Federal Register · 2021-10352

The FAA is revising a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to supersede AD 2002-08-16, which applies to certain Eurocopter France SA341G, SA342J, and SA-360C helicopters. The NPRM proposed to require removing certain main rotor head torsion tie bars (tie bars) from service and revising the limitations section of the existing maintenance manual for your helicopter by adding life limits for those tie bars. The NPRM was prompted by the determination that another part- numbered tie bar was affected by the same unsafe condition. This action reopens the comment period because a significant amount of time has elapsed since the NPRM was published. This action also revises the NPRM by updating the type certificate holder's name, updating the estimated cost information, clarifying the requirements and compliance times, and adding parts installation prohibitions. The FAA is proposing this airworthiness directive (AD) to address the unsafe condition on these products. Since these actions would impose an additional burden over those in the NPRM, the agency is requesting comments on this SNPRM.