Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13965 · Eurocopter France Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-360C, SA-365C, SA-365C1, SA-365C2, SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-366G1 Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-360C, SA-365C, SA-365C1, SA-365C2, SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-366G1 Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2010-20-20. Comply with the one in force.
Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-360C, SA-365C, SA-365C1, SA-365C2, SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-366G1 helicopters, certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) model helicopters. This action requires an initial and repetitive borescope inspection of the main gearbox (MGB) planet gear carrier or an initial and repetitive visual inspection of the MGB planet gear carrier for a crack. Replacing any MGB that has a cracked planet gear carrier is required before further flight. This amendment is prompted by the discovery of cracks in the web of the planet gear carrier. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect a crack in the web of the planet gear carrier, which could lead to a MGB seizure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
| For a main gearbox (MGB) that has: | Inspect: |
|---|---|
| (1) Less than 250 hours time-in-service (TIS) since new or last overhaul | On or before the MGB reaches 265 hours TIS and then at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS. |
| (2) 250 or more hours TIS since new or last overhaul | Within 15 hours TIS and then at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS. |
To detect a crack in the web of the planet gear carrier, which could lead to a main gearbox (MGB) seizure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Either borescope inspect the web of the MGB planet gear carrier for a crack in accordance with the Operational Procedure, paragraph 2.B.1., of Eurocopter Alert Telex No. 05.00.48, 05.33, 05.26, and 05A007, dated December 16, 2004 (Alert Telex) or visually inspect the MGB planet gear carrier in accordance with the Operational Procedure, paragraph 2.B.3., of the Alert Telex.
(b) If a crack is found in the planet gear carrier, replace the MGB with an airworthy MGB before further flight.
(c) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Contact the Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
