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AD/AS 355/95 - Fuselage Centre Cross-Member under Cabin Floor
Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) SeriesEurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters
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Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters
| AD/AS 355/95 | Fuselage Centre Cross-Memberunder Cabin Floor | 7/2007 TX |
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| Applicability: | Model AS355 E, F, F1, F2 and N helicopters, all serial numbers, delivered before1 January 2007, and equipped with collective-to-yaw control coupling with or without an Automatic Flight Control System. |
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| Requirement: | 1. Confirm installation of the cross-member at station X 2165 and of the doublers at stations X 2325 and Y 269 as detailed in the Accomplishment Instructions paragraph of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 53.00.23 original issue, or later EASA approved revision.If the cross-member and the doublers are installed, no further action is required.2. If the cross-member and/or doublers are not installed, check for cracks by a visual or a dye penetrant inspection, the centre cross-member at station X 2325, in the area around the attachment point of the tail rotor directional ball-type control as detailed in the Accomplishment Instructions paragraph of ASB 53.00.23 original issue, or later EASA approved revision.If no cracking is detected:Before further flight, check the tail rotor control rigging in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions paragraph of ASB 53.00.23 original issue, or later EASA approved revision.Repeat the Requirement 2 inspection until Requirement 3 is accomplished.If any crack is detected:Flight is prohibited.3. Install the cross-member at station X 2165 and the doublers at stations X 2325 and Y 269, in accordance with the Appendix paragraph of ASB 53.00.23 original issue, or later EASA approved revision.Note: EASA Emergency AD 2007-0139-E refers. |
| Compliance: | For Requirements 1 and 2: Within 10 flight hours or 1 month after 18 May 2007, whichever occurs first. Repeat the Requirement 2 inspection at intervals not to exceed 55 flight hours; until accomplishment of Requirement 3.Requirement 3: Within 12 months after 18 May 2007. |
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| This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 18 May 2007. | |
| Background: | The EASA received a report of a crack in the area of the centre cross-member at station X 2325, at the attachment point of the yaw channel ball-type control sheath stop of a Model AS 355 N helicopter fitted with the collective-to-yaw control coupling. Investigation revealed that the helicopter was not equipped with the structure doublers, which are combined with the collective-to-yaw control coupling installation. Repetitive overloads on the non-modified cross member will cause it to crack, and result in reduction of yaw control travel with consequent reduced yaw control for the pilot. |