Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16410 · Eurocopter France Model SA330J Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model SA330J Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2021-09-14. Comply with the one in force.
Model SA330J helicopters, certificated in any category.
This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-16-51, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model SA330J helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires, within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspecting for a gap between the main gearbox (MGB) oil cooling fan assembly (fan) rotor blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing housing. This inspection must be accomplished by using a feeler gauge attached to a rigid rod. If the feeler gauge cannot be inserted between the blade and the housing, this AD requires replacing the two fan rotor shaft bearings with two airworthy bearings. This AD is prompted by the separation of a fan rotor blade that caused puncture holes in the transmission deck. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to damage to the hydraulic lines and flight controls, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
To prevent rotor burst of the main gearbox (MGB) oil cooling fan assembly (fan), damage to the hydraulic lines and flight controls, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, do the following:
(a) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless accomplished previously, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 hours TIS, using a 0.2 millimeter (mm) (0.008 inch) feeler gauge attached to a rigid rod, inspect for a minimum gap of 0.2 mm between a fan rotor blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing housing over the entire width of the blade as depicted in Figure 1 and as shown in Figure 2 of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.96, dated July 12, 2010 (EASB), and by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of the EASB.
(1) If the feeler gauge can be inserted between the blade and the housing (a gap greater than or equal to 0.2 mm), no further action is required.
(2) If the feeler gauge cannot be inserted between the blade and the housing (a gap less than 0.2 mm), before further flight, replace the two fan rotor shaft bearings, with two airworthy bearings, part number 704A33651114. Reinspect to ensure compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD after installing airworthy bearings. Replacing the two fan rotor shaft bearings does not constitute terminating action for the inspection requirements of this AD.
(b) 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, FAA, ATTN: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-4389, fax (817) 222-5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(c) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 6322: Main gearbox oil cooler fan.
