Summary
This document proposes adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) model helicopters. This proposal would require inspecting the chamfer of the stop on the cabin sliding doors (doors) and installing an airworthy stop if the chamfer exceeds a certain length; and prior to each flight, visually checking the door to determine if it is correctly locked in the open position before flying with the doors open, and checking the locking indicator light and the position of the door handles before flying with the doors closed. This document also proposes to revise the Limitations Section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) prohibiting the opening or closing of a cabin sliding door at airspeeds of 40 or greater knots indicated airspeed (KIAS). This proposal is prompted by a report of a door separating from a helicopter during flight. The actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to prevent separation of a door during flight and damage to the helicopter, resulting in a forced landing or loss of control of the helicopter.