Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Flight Trails Helicopters, Inc. hardpoint assemblies, installed in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) No. SH6080NM, or in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Form 337, ``Major Repair and Alteration,'' approved on McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems (MDHS) Model 369D, 369E, 369F, 369FF, and 500N helicopters. This proposal would require removing any Flight Trails Helicopters, Inc. hardpoint assembly not identified by part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N). This proposal is prompted by two incidents in which the hardpoint assembly used to support a search light or night vision system reportedly failed. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of the hardpoint assembly, separation of the hardpoint assembly from the helicopter, and subsequent contact between the hardpoint assembly and the fuselage or rotor system of the helicopter.