Summary
This document proposes revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (ECF) Model SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and SA-366G1 helicopters. That AD currently requires inspecting each tail rotor blade for bonding separation, measuring the clearance between the tip of each tail rotor blade and the circumference of the air duct, and replacing the blade if necessary. This action would contain the same requirements but would allow the pilot to perform the daily visual check and would contain a damage allowance for certain blades. This proposal is prompted by FAA determination that the pilot can check for a cracked, blistered, or wrinkled blade and that some debonding of the blade is acceptable. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to allow a pilot check, to prevent unacceptable damage to a tail rotor blade, and to prevent loss of tail rotor control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.