Airworthiness Directives; Schweizer Aircraft Corporation

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Schweizer Aircraft Corporation (Schweizer) Model 269D and Model 269D Configuration A helicopters. The type certificate for these models is currently held by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky). This AD requires inspecting the aft fuselage assembly in the area around the attachment point of the horizontal stabilizer, including the paint, for a crack. This AD also requires inspecting the tailboom interior support structure, and if necessary, installing an inspection panel kit in the aft fuselage assembly, and installing doublers in the stabilizer support brackets. This AD is prompted by reports of loose horizontal stabilizers and cracks in the stabilizer support structure for the extruded tailboom. The actions are intended to prevent separation of the horizontal stabilizer from the helicopter and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.