Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, L, L1, and L2 Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, L, L1, and L2 helicopters. This action requires determining the thickness of the shim washers, inspecting certain cockpit door hinge tenons (hinge tenons) for cracks, and if a crack is found, replacing the hinge tenon with an airworthy hinge tenon. This amendment is prompted by several reports of cracked hinge tenons due to improper shimming. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect cracks in the hinge tenons due to unintended loading of the improperly shimmed tenons caused by closing the door, which may lead to separation of the door from the helicopter, impact with the main rotor or tail rotor system, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.