Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14561 · Eurocopter France Model SA-360C, SA-365C, SA-365C1, and SA-365C2 Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model SA-360C, SA-365C, SA-365C1, and SA-365C2 Helicopters
Model SA-360C, SA-365C, SA-365C1, and SA-365C2 helicopters with a main gearbox (MGB) base plate, part number (P/N) 360A32-2311-02 or P/N 360A32-2311-03 installed, certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model SA-360C, SA-365C, SA-365C1, and SA-365C2 helicopters. This action requires inspecting the main gearbox (MGB) base plate for a crack and replacing the MGB if a crack is found. This amendment is prompted by the discovery of a crack in a MGB base plate. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect a crack in a MGB base plate and prevent failure of one of the MGB attachment points to the frame, which could result in severe vibration and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Required as indicated in the following compliance table, unless accomplished previously, and before installing a replacement main gearbox (MGB).
| For any MGB that: | Accomplish the AD actions: |
|---|---|
| (a) Has less than 26,900 cycles and has never been overhauled or repaired | On or before accumulating 26,900 cycles and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 55 hours time-in-service (TIS). |
| (b) Has 26,900 or more cycles and has never been overhauled or repaired | Before further flight and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 55 hours TIS. |
| (c) Is installed that has been overhauled or repaired | Before further flight and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 55 hours TIS. |
| One cycle equates to one helicopter landing in which a landing gear touches the ground. |
To detect a crack in a MGB base plate and prevent failure of one of the MGB attachment points to the frame, which could result in severe vibration and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Before the initial inspection at the time indicated in the compliance table, strip the paint from area “D” on both sides (“B” and “C”) of the MGB base plate as depicted in Figure 1 of this AD.
(b) At the times indicated in the compliance table, inspect area “D” of the MGB base plate for a crack using a 10x or higher magnifying glass. Area “D” to be inspected is depicted in Figure 1 of this AD.
Note 1: Eurocopter France Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.25, dated February 17, 2005, pertain to the subject of this AD.
(c) If a crack is found in a MGB base plate, remove and replace the MGB with an airworthy MGB before further flight.
(d) 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 Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, ATTN: Ed Cuevas, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5355, fax (817) 222-5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on April 28, 2006.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Générale de L'Aviation Civile (France) AD No. F-2005-036, dated March 2, 2005.
