Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SE3160, SA315B, SA316B, SA316C, and SA319B Helicopters
airworthiness · Rule · Final rule; request for comments. · Published 2003-08-28 · Effective 2003-09-12 · 68 FR 51681
Document
Document number
03-21520
Federal Register citation
68 FR 51681
Type
Rule
Action
Final rule; request for comments.
Category
airworthiness
Publication date
2003-08-28
Effective date
2003-09-12
FAA docket
Docket No. 2003-SW-34-AD
Abstract
This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003-15-51, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of the specified model Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires inspecting each main rotor blade (blade) root end bolt (bolt) and bolt hole for a crack or corrosion or a crack on the blade root end fitting (fitting) and for certain serial-numbered blades, a one-time pull test on each fitting and blade root end doubler (doubler) to detect disbonding. This amendment is prompted by a report from the blade manufacturer of the discovery of a cracked blade; the cause of the crack remains under investigation. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of a blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.