Airworthiness Directive 2010-23-02
one-timeAirworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 Helicopters
What this AD requires
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter model helicopters. This action requires amending the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to limit the never-exceed velocity (VNE) to 150 Knots Indicated Air Speed (KIAS) and to add a 1,500 ft/minute rate of descent (R/D) limitation beyond 140 KIAS. This action also requires installing one or more placards on the cockpit instrument panel in full view of the pilot and co-pilot. This amendment is prompted by failures of the horizontal stabilizers on recently delivered Model AS 365 N3 helicopters. Tests indicate that the failures were due to a vibration phenomenon that may arise during the descent flight phases at high speed regardless of the stabilizer installed. The actions specified in this AD are intended to restrict the VNE, to prevent failure of the horizontal stabilizer, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Which aircraft AD 2010-23-02 applies to
Applicability depends on the aircraft’s type certificate — check it against the specific tail.
Whether AD 2010-23-02 actually applies to your aircraft (by serial and installed parts) and whether it’s already complied with comes from that aircraft’s records.
How AD compliance is recorded
A valid compliance record (14 CFR 43.9) states:
Tailplate reads a tail number’s logbooks and matches every applicable AD — including this one — to its compliance evidence, with recurring next-due dates computed.
Look up a tail number →Read the full directive (Federal Register)Applicability is derived from the FAA directive corpus and is advisory, not a legal airworthiness determination. Compliance is established only from an aircraft’s actual records.