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

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, L, and L1 helicopters that have not been modified in accordance with Eurocopter France Modifications 332A07-41.569 and 332A07-66.150. This action requires revisions to the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to prohibit flight into meteorological conditions that may produce lightning for helicopters that are not equipped with lightning- resistant tail rotor blades. A terminating action is provided in the AD by the installation of tail rotor blades having a lightning-resistant system. This amendment is prompted by the forced ditching of a Model AS 332 helicopter after experiencing a lightning strike. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent damage to the tail rotor blades that could result in loss of a tail rotor blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.