# Proposed AD FAA-2012-0339: Eurocopter France Helicopters

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2012-23-03
- Products: Eurocopter France
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: March 29, 2012, 77 FR 18967
- Comments due: May 29, 2012
- Became: [AD 2012-23-03](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2012-23-03)
- Docket: FAA-2012-0339 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2012-0339, where comments are filed)
- Project: 2011-SW-051-AD
- FR document: 2012-7540
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/bd/a0/bda0636292edbe8a5b40df7016a6c8618062217ff2999d0723e42c06f8318956 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2012-03-29/pdf/2012-7540.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2012/03/29/2012-7540/airworthiness-directives-eurocopter-france-helicopters
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/11DD12AF0176BA29862579D0004FBEC4.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2012-0339

## Summary

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model SA.315B Alouette III, SE.3160 Alouette III, SA.316B Alouette III, SA.316C Alouette III, SA.319B Alouette III, SA 3180-Alouette Astazou, SA 318B-Alouette Astazou, and SA 318C-Alouette Astazou helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by incorrect positioning of the roller drive pocket recesses on the tail rotor drive shaft free-wheel cage, which caused a pilot to experience a heavy jerk in the yaw control during in-flight autorotation training. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to a temporary loss of tail rotor drive and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

## Notices in this docket

- Mar 29, 2012: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2012-7540, comments due May 29, 2012 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2012/03/29/2012-7540/airworthiness-directives-eurocopter-france-helicopters)

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