- February 23, 2008, 2:21 PM
An airworthiness directive issued by the FAA on Thursday warns of tightening torque loss on the main-rotor-hub (MRH) to main-rotor-mast attachment bolts on Eurocopter AS 365 and SA 365 helicopters, which could lead to an in-flight loss of the main rotor head. The AD, which affects 36 U.S.-registered AS 365N/N1/N2/N3 and SA 365C/C1/C2 helicopters, becomes effective March 6, but the FAA is accepting comments on AD 2008-04-03 until April 21.
According to the FAA, the directive was issued following several reports of tightening torque loss on the MRH to main-rotor-mast bolt attachment. These conditions were found on Eurocopter-assembled attachments with fewer than 300 hours. The FAA estimates it will take about four hours to perform the tightening torque inspections, costing operators about $320 per aircraft. No parts are needed to comply with the directive.
According to the FAA, the directive was issued following several reports of tightening torque loss on the MRH to main-rotor-mast bolt attachment. These conditions were found on Eurocopter-assembled attachments with fewer than 300 hours. The FAA estimates it will take about four hours to perform the tightening torque inspections, costing operators about $320 per aircraft. No parts are needed to comply with the directive.
