Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16128 · Eurocopter France Model SA 330 F, G, and J Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model SA 330 F, G, and J Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2020-16-09. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Model SA 330 F, G, and J helicopters, all serial numbers, with main gearbox (MGB) input flexible coupling flange assemblies, part number (P/N) 330A-32937401, installed that have been modified per MOD 0752416 and MOD 0752419, but have not been subject to a maintenance scheduled inspection per Working Card 65.32.601 since new or since a complete overhaul of the MGB, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) 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 Emergency AD states that there has been a report of the failure of a flexible coupling on one of the main gearbox (MGB) inputs, which may be the result of loss of the tightening torque load, or insufficient tightening of the nuts on the bolts fixing the discs of the flexible coupling to its sliding and fixed hinges. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the coupling discs, and if this condition develops on both the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) MGB inputs, a complete loss of power to the transmission and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Required as indicated, unless previously accomplished.
(1) For MGB input flexible coupling flange assemblies with less than 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) since new or since a complete overhaul of the MGB, re-adjust the tightening torque load of the 6 nuts on the flexible coupling-to-flange attachment bolts. Accomplish this re-adjustment between 50 hours TIS and 75 hours TIS since new or since a complete overhaul of the MGB in accordance with paragraph 2.B.2.a. of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.95, dated March 3, 2008 (EASB).
(2) For MGB input flexible coupling flange assemblies with 50 hours TIS and 75 or less hours TIS since new or since a complete overhaul of the MGB, either:
(i) Upon or before reaching 75 hours TIS since new or since a complete overhaul of the MGB, re-adjust the tightening torque load of the 6 nuts on the flexible coupling-to-flange attachment bolts in accordance with paragraph 2.B.2.a. of the EASB; or
(ii) Upon or before reaching 125 hours TIS since new or since a complete overhaul of the MGB, inspect the tightening torque load of the 6 nuts on the flexible coupling-to-flange attachment bolts in accordance with paragraph 2.B.2.b. of the EASB, except you are not required to contact the manufacturer.
(3) For MGB input flexible coupling flange assemblies that have more than 75 hours TIS since new or since a complete overhaul of the MGB, within the next 50 hours TIS, inspect the tightening torque load of the 6 nuts on the flexible coupling-to-flange attachment bolts, in accordance with paragraph 2.B.2.b. of the EASB, except you are not required to contact the manufacturer.
(4) Prior to installing a MGB that contains an input flexible coupling flange assembly that has been modified per MOD 0752416 and MOD 0752419, you must comply with the provisions of this AD.
The MCAI AD uses the term “flight hours” instead of “hours time-in-service”, as we have used in this AD. Also, the MCAI AD allows “use of later approved revisions” of the service information to comply with the MCAI AD. Our AD requires compliance in accordance with Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.95, dated March 3, 2008. Additionally, this AD requires “inspections” by a qualified mechanic instead of “checks”, which we allow a pilot to do. Finally, this AD does not require you to contact Eurocopter Technical Support, which is required by the MCAI AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, Attn: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Ed Cuevas, Aerospace Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5355, fax (817) 222-5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(h) European Aviation Safety Agency MCAI Airworthiness Directive No. 2009-0049-E, dated March 3, 2008 (Corrected: March 7, 2008), contains related information.
(i) JASC Code 6310: Engine/Transmission Coupling.
