WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 -- Federal Aviation Administration has issued a rule called: Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters.

The rule was published in the Federal Register on Jan. 2 by Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.

Summary: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model SA341G and SA342J helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of disbonding of the stainless steel leading edge protection of certain part-numbered main rotor blades (MRB). This AD requires repetitively tap inspecting the MRB and, depending on the results, repairing or replacing the MRB. This AD also prohibits installing those MRB unless certain req...