Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16293 · Eurocopter France Model AS332L2 Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model AS332L2 Helicopters
This AD applies to Model AS332L2 helicopters, with a main rotor mast assembly (mast) that has not been modified per MOD 0743714, installed, certificated in any category.
Note 1: MOD 0743714 includes replacing the plastic peel shim with a stainless steel peel shim, installing improved swashplate bearing attachment screws, and increasing the torque on those screws.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (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 the AD was issued after the discovery of broken swashplate bearing attaching screw heads. Failure of these screw heads could lead to the loss of the coupling between the non-rotating and the rotating swashplate. This AD is intended to prevent loss of power to the rotating swashplate and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
For each mast that has less than 750 hours TIS since it was installed on any helicopter or since its last overhaul, within 20 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless already done, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours TIS, and for each mast that has 750 or more hours TIS since it was installed on any helicopter or since its last overhaul, within 25 hours TIS, unless already done, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours TIS:
(1) Inspect for the presence of each mast swashplate bearing attachment screw head by either using a mirror or by feeling for the screw heads under the flange. Do the inspections by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Operational Procedure, paragraphs 2.B.1. through 2.B.2. and Figure 1, of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 62.00.66, dated September 13, 2006, except this AD does not require you to send the assembly to an “approved repair center for investigation and reconditioning.”
(2) If an attachment screw head is missing, before further flight, replace the unairworthy mast with an airworthy mast.
Note 2: If you have complied with ASB No. 62.00.66, dated September 13, 2006, you have met the intent of this AD.
This AD differs from the MCAI AD as follows:
(1) This AD does not require you to send the assembly to an “approved repair center for investigation and reconditioning.”
(2) This AD uses “hours TIS” instead of “flying hours.”
(3) This AD does not apply to non-installed parts.
(4) This AD does not include an inspection for masts that were inspected per a previous MCAI AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send AMOC request to DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Gary Roach, ASW-111, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5130, fax (817) 222-5961.
