# AD 2010-06-07: Rotorcraft Flight Control - Type: Airworthiness directive - Status: Current - Products: Airbus Helicopters AS-365N2, AS-365N3, AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, EC 155B, EC155B1 and 5 more - Effective: April 21, 2010 - Published: March 17, 2010, 75 FR 12659–12661 - Issued: February 18, 2010 - Issued as: Final rule - Superseded by: Nothing supersedes this AD - Product type: Aircraft, Rotorcraft - Amendment: 39-16231 - Docket: FAA-2009-0663 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2009-0663) - Project: 2007-SW-25-AD - Registered aircraft: 886 may be affected, by airframe or engine model (OpenAirDocs) - Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/5f/92/5f92c36d44c0b51a2952dbff04b518838bac927caff196da51924560fb115f58 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2010-03-17/pdf/2010-5288.pdf) - Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2010/03/17/2010-5288/airworthiness-directives-eurocopter-france-model-as-332-c-l-l1-and-l2-as-350-b3-as355-f-f1-f2-and-n - FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/773230A984E1AFF0862576E900502F22.0001 - DRS record last changed: November 21, 2025 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ad/2010-06-07 ## Summary We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified model helicopters. This AD results from a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. The MCAI AD states that the AD is issued following a manufacturing nonconformity found on one batch of the servo-control caps. With a defective servo-control, rotation of the distributor might not be stopped mechanically since only friction of inner seals holds the distributor sleeve in its position. The AD actions are intended to address the unsafe condition created by a manufacturing nonconformity found on one batch of servo-control caps. If not corrected this condition could cause untimely movements of servo-controls, which are used on main and anti-torque rotors, and lead to the loss of control of the helicopter. ## The airworthiness directive ### Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: 2010-06-07 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-16231; Docket No. FAA-2009-0663; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-25-AD. ### (a) Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective on April 21, 2010. ### (b) Other Affected ADs (b) None. ### (c) Applicability (c) This AD applies to Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS 332 C, L, L1, and L2; AS 350 B3; AS355 F, F1, F2, and N; SA 365N and N1; AS 365 N2 and N3; SA 366G1; EC 130 B4; and EC 155B and B1 helicopters, certificated in any category. ### (d) Reason (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD states that the AD is issued following a manufacturing nonconformity found on one batch of the servo-control cap, part number (P/N) 800137. With a defective servo-control, rotation of the distributor might not be stopped mechanically since only friction of inner seals holds the distributor sleeve in its position. If not corrected this condition could cause untimely movements of servo-controls, which are used on main and anti-torque rotors, and lead to the loss of control of the helicopter. ### (e) Actions and Compliance (e) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, unless already done, do the following actions. (1) For each servo-control with a P/N and a serial number (S/N) listed in paragraph 1.A.1. of the applicable Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) stated in Table 1 of this AD, determine whether there is a letter “R” marked in the inspection box of the servo-control identification plate. (2) If there is no letter “R” marked in the inspection box of a servo-control identification plate, on the next removal of the servo-control, or not later than 2 years after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, replace the servo-control with an airworthy servo-control that has an “R” marked in the inspection box of the servo-control identification plate or one with a serial number not listed in paragraph 1.A.1 of the ASB applicable to your model helicopter. Note 1: The letter “R” marked in the inspection box of the servo-control identification plate indicates that the servo-control cap assembly has been brought into conformity with design data and has been installed properly. (3) There are 2 identically numbered and dated ASBs. There is an ASB No. 67A010, dated February 19, 2007, that applies to the Model EC130B4 helicopters and an ASB No. 67A010, dated February 19, 2007, that applies to the Model EC 155B and B1 helicopters. You must use the ASB that applies to your model helicopter. *Table 1* | For helicopter model: | Refer to paragraph 1.A.1 of ASB: | | --- | --- | | AS 332 C, L, L1, and L2 | No. 67.00.37, dated February 19, 2007. | | AS 350 B3 | No. 67.00.40, dated February 19, 2007. | | AS 355 F, F1, F2, and N | No. 67.00.28, dated February 19, 2007. | | AS 365 N and N1 | No. 67.00.13, dated February 19, 2007. | | SA 366 G1 | No. 67.08, dated February 19, 2007. | | EC 130 B4 | No. 67A010, dated February 19, 2007. | | EC 155B and B1 | No. 67A010, dated February 19, 2007. | ### (f) Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD (f) This AD differs from the MCAI AD in that it: (1) Is not applicable to the Model AS 332 C1 helicopters because they are not type certificated in the United States; (2) Does not require returning the servo-controls to the manufacturer; (3) Does not address servo-control “spares” (parts not installed on a helicopter); (4) Uses the term “inspect” rather than “check”; and (5) Includes information explaining that there are 2 ASBs with the same number and date. ### (g) Other Information (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to Attn: Uday Garadi, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5123, fax (817) 222-5961. ### (h) Related Information (h) MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007-0099, dated April 11, 2007, contains related information. ### (i) Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code (i) JASC Code 6700: Rotorcraft Flight Control. ### (j) Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use the portions of the service information specified in Table 2 to do the actions required. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information specified in Table 2 under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527, or at http://www.eurocopter.com. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. *Table 2—Material Incorporated by Reference* | Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin | Date | For helicopter model | | --- | --- | --- | | No. 67.00.37 | February 19, 2007 | AS 332 C, L, L1, and L2. | | No. 67.00.40 | February 19, 2007 | AS 350 B3. | | No. 67.00.28 | February 19, 2007 | AS 355 F, F1, F2, and N. | | No. 67.00.13 | February 19, 2007 | AS 365 N and N1. | | No. 67.08 | February 19, 2007 | SA 366 G1. | | No. 67A010 | February 19, 2007 | EC 130 B4. | | No. 67A010 | February 19, 2007 | EC 155B and B1. | ## Rule preamble ### Dates This AD becomes effective on April 21, 2010. The incorporation by reference of certain publications is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of April 21, 2010. ### Addresses You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://regulations.gov or in person at the Docket Operations office, U.S. Department of Transportation, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. You may get the service information identified in this AD from American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527, or at http://www.eurocopter.com. ### For further information contact Uday Garadi, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5123, fax (817) 222-5961. ### Discussion We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the Eurocopter France Model AS 332 C, L, L1, and L2; AS 350 B3; AS355 F, F1, F2, and N; SA 365N and N1; AS 365 N2 and N3; SA 366G1; EC 130 B4; and EC 155B and B1 helicopters on July 14, 2009. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on August 3, 2009 (74 FR 38381). That NPRM proposed to address the unsafe condition created by a manufacturing nonconformity found on one batch of servo-control caps. If not corrected this condition could cause untimely movements of servo-controls, which are used on main and anti-torque rotors, and lead to the loss of control of the helicopter. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI AD and any related service information in the AD docket. ### Comments By publishing the NPRM, we gave the public an opportunity to participate in developing this AD. However, we received no comment on the NPRM or on our determination of the cost to the public. Therefore, based on our review and evaluation of the available data, we have determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed. ### Relevant Service Information Eurocopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 67.00.37 for Model AS 332 helicopters, ASB No. 67.00.40 for Model AS 350 helicopters, ASB No. 67.00.28 for Model AS 355 helicopters, ASB No. 67.00.13 for Model AS 365 and SA 365 helicopters, ASB No. 67.08 for Model SA 366 helicopters, ASB No. 67A010 for Model EC 130 helicopters, and ASB No. 67A010 for Model EC 155 helicopters, all Revision 0 and all dated February 19, 2007. Two of the ASBs have identical numbers and dates. There is a separate ASB No. 67A010 with the same date for the Model EC130 helicopter and the Model EC 155 helicopter. The actions described in the MCAI AD are intended to correct the same unsafe condition as that identified in the service information. ### Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD We have reviewed the MCAI AD and related service information and, in general, agree with their substance. However, our AD differs from the MCAI AD in that it: • Is not applicable to the Model AS 332 C1 helicopters because they are not type certificated in the United States; • Does not require returning the servo-controls to the manufacturer; • Does not address servo-control “spares” (parts not installed on a helicopter); • Uses the term “inspect” rather than “check”; and • Includes information explaining that there are 2 ASBs with the same number and date—ASB No. 67A010 for the Model EC130 B4 helicopters and ASB No. 67A010 for the Model EC 155B and B1 helicopters. ### Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect about 318 helicopters with 33 non-conforming control cap assemblies of U.S. registry. Also, we estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour to inspect each helicopter in the fleet and 4 work-hours per helicopter to remove and replace an unairworthy servo-control. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. A replacement cap assembly would cost $15,605. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. operators to be $553,215, or $1,740 per helicopter. ### Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. “Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,” describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in “Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on product(s) identified in this rulemaking action. ### Regulatory Findings We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, I certify this AD: 1. Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a “significant rule” under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and 3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. ## Affected data sheets (4) (OpenAirDocs) The type certificate data sheets whose models the AD names. - [TCDS H10EU](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/H10EU): Airbus Helicopters; names 7 of 10 models: AS 365 N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155 B, EC 155 B1, SA 365 N, SA 365 N1, SA 366 G1 - [TCDS H11EU](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/H11EU): Airbus Helicopters; names 4 of 6 models: AS355N, AS355F2, AS355F1, AS355F - [TCDS H4EU](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/H4EU): Airbus Helicopters; names 4 of 7 models: AS332L, AS332C, AS332L1, AS332L2 - [TCDS H9EU](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/H9EU): Airbus Helicopters; names 2 of 10 models: AS350B3, EC130B4 ## Registered aircraft it may apply to (OpenAirDocs) Matched by airframe and engine model; the AD's applicability may narrow it by serial number, part number or equipment. - Aircraft: 886 (886 by airframe model, 0 by engine model) - Makers: Airbus Helicopters 359, Eurocopter 350, American Eurocopter 124, Aerospatiale 28, Eurocopter France 19, Eurocopter/France 4, Airbus Helicopter 1, S N I A S 1 Models with the most aircraft: - [Airbus Helicopters AS350B3](https://openairdocs.org/model/airbus-helicopters-as350b3): 291 aircraft (airframe model) - [Eurocopter AS 350 B3](https://openairdocs.org/model/eurocopter-as-350-b3): 167 aircraft (airframe model) - [Eurocopter EC 130 B4](https://openairdocs.org/model/eurocopter-ec-130-b4): 154 aircraft (airframe model) - [American Eurocopter AS350B3](https://openairdocs.org/model/american-eurocopter-as350b3): 124 aircraft (airframe model) - [Airbus Helicopters AS 350B3](https://openairdocs.org/model/airbus-helicopters-as-350b3): 56 aircraft (airframe model) - [Eurocopter AS365N3](https://openairdocs.org/model/eurocopter-as365n3): 11 aircraft (airframe model) - [Aerospatiale AS 355F1](https://openairdocs.org/model/aerospatiale-as-355f1): 9 aircraft (airframe model) - [Eurocopter EC 155 B1](https://openairdocs.org/model/eurocopter-ec-155-b1): 9 aircraft (airframe model) - [Eurocopter France AS 350 B3](https://openairdocs.org/model/eurocopter-france-as-350-b3): 8 aircraft (airframe model) - [Aerospatiale AS 355F2](https://openairdocs.org/model/aerospatiale-as-355f2): 6 aircraft (airframe model) - [Eurocopter France EC 130 B4](https://openairdocs.org/model/eurocopter-france-ec-130-b4): 6 aircraft (airframe model) - [Eurocopter/France AS355N TWINSTAR](https://openairdocs.org/model/eurocopter-france-as355n-twinstar): 4 aircraft (airframe model) - [Eurocopter EC 155B](https://openairdocs.org/model/eurocopter-ec-155b): 4 aircraft (airframe model) - [Airbus Helicopters EC 155B1](https://openairdocs.org/model/airbus-helicopters-ec-155b1): 3 aircraft (airframe model) - [Airbus Helicopters AS332L1](https://openairdocs.org/model/airbus-helicopters-as332l1): 3 aircraft (airframe model) - [Aerospatiale AS355F2 ECUREUIL](https://openairdocs.org/model/aerospatiale-as355f2-ecureuil): 3 aircraft (airframe model) - [Aerospatiale AS332L1](https://openairdocs.org/model/aerospatiale-as332l1): 3 aircraft (airframe model) - [Eurocopter AS332L1](https://openairdocs.org/model/eurocopter-as332l1): 3 aircraft (airframe model) - [Eurocopter France AS-365N2](https://openairdocs.org/model/eurocopter-france-as-365n2): 3 aircraft (airframe model) - [Airbus Helicopters EC 130B4](https://openairdocs.org/model/airbus-helicopters-ec-130b4): 2 aircraft (airframe model) All 36 models: https://openairdocs.org/ad/2010-06-07/models.md Every aircraft: https://openairdocs.org/ad/2010-06-07/aircraft.md ## Related documents - [Proposed rule FAA-2009-0663](https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2009-0663): Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), published Aug 3, 2009 Its text cites no advisory circulars or STCs. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.