AD FAA-2010-1125

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Eurocopter Model AS332L2 helicopters. This AD results from a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. The MCAI AD states that a hard landing occurred during in-flight engine failure (one engine inoperative (OEI)) training. An examination revealed the failure of the right-hand main reduction gear module (module) freewheel unit due to excessive wear on some of its components. The MCAI AD prohibits engine failure OEI training with helicopters on which certain main gearbox (MGB) modules with certain freewheel shafts are installed and mandates the replacement of those modules. The actions are intended to prevent failure of certain freewheel units, loss of power to the main rotor system, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.