Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA330J Helicopters

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-16-51, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model SA330J helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires, within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspecting for a gap between the main gearbox (MGB) oil cooling fan assembly (fan) rotor blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing housing. This inspection must be accomplished by using a feeler gauge attached to a rigid rod. If the feeler gauge cannot be inserted between the blade and the housing, this AD requires replacing the two fan rotor shaft bearings with two airworthy bearings. This AD is prompted by the separation of a fan rotor blade that caused puncture holes in the transmission deck. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to damage to the hydraulic lines and flight controls, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.