AStar/Ecureuil B3e operators hampered by ongoing AD | Aviation International News

AStar/Ecureuil B3e operators hampered by ongoing AD

By Thierry Dubois • Writer

January 1, 2013

Eurocopter’s ubiquitous light single, the AS350B3e Ecureuil/AStar, is subject to airspeed limits and repetitive inspections as a result of an early-October emergency service bulletin and accompanying airworthiness directive (AD). The helicopter is now limited to 100 knots airspeed at sea level to reduce dynamic loads on the tail rotor. In addition, repetitive inspections must be conducted, with maximum intervals of three flight hours, on the laminated half-bearings.

The emergency AD was prompted by the fatal crash of a B3e in Guatemala in late September. Investigators are said to be focusing on deterioration of the half-bearings and an in-flight failure of the tail rotor. Eurocopter has devised a procedure to assist the pilot in case of in-flight vibration in the pedals.

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