# Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters
> **Rule** · Final rule. · Published 2012-11-26 · Effective 2012-12-31 · 77 FR 70360
## Document
- **Document number:** 2012-28033
- **Category:** airworthiness
- **Manufacturer:** Eurocopter France
- **Type:** Rule
- **Action:** Final rule.
- **Citation:** 77 FR 70360
- **Publication date:** 2012-11-26
- **Effective date:** 2012-12-31
- **FAA docket:** Docket No. FAA-2012-0339
## Abstract

We are adopting 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 318 C-ALOUETTE ASTAZOU helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the cage of the free-wheel assembly for the correct alignment of the roller drive pocket recesses and replacing the free-wheel cage with an airworthy free-wheel cage if a defect exists. This 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. The requirements of this AD are intended to prevent a loss of tail rotor drive and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2012/11/26/2012-28033/airworthiness-directives-eurocopter-france-helicopters)
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