Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16512 · Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS332L2 Helicopters
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS332L2 Helicopters
This AD applies to Model AS332L2 helicopters, certificated in any category, with a freewheel shaft, part number (P/N) 332A32-2190-25, with No. 1 and No. 2 serial numbered shafts installed on a main gearbox (MGB) main reduction gear module (main module), with a P/N and serial number (S/N), as listed in the following table.
| No. 1 and No. 2 Freewheel Shaft S/N | Installed on main module P/N & S/N |
|---|---|
| M1608, M945 | 332A32-3011-03M and M2062. |
| M1078, M1087 | 332A32-3011-03M and M2088. |
| M1272, M1273 | 332A32-3011-03M and M2104. |
| M1688, M974 | 332A32-3011-03M and M2016. |
| M1231, M937 | 332A32-3011-03M and M2079. |
| M1115, M635 | 332A32-3011-03M and M4001. |
| M1159, M907 | 332A32-3011-03M and M4004. |
| M1124, M486 | 332A32-3011-01M and M2044. |
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 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 a hard landing occurred during in-flight engine failure (one engine inoperative (OEI)) training. An examination revealed the failure of the right-hand main reduction gear module (module) freewheel unit due to excessive wear on some of its components. The MCAI AD prohibits engine failure OEI training with helicopters on which certain main gearbox (MGB) modules with certain freewheel shafts are installed and mandates the replacement of those modules. The actions are intended to prevent failure of certain freewheel units, loss of power to the main rotor system, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Before further flight, unless already accomplished, insert the following limitation into the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM): “Engine failure (one-engine inoperative (OEI)) training is prohibited.” You may comply with this requirement by making pen and ink changes to the Limitations section of the RFM or by inserting a copy of this AD into the Limitations section of the RFM.
(f) Within 40 hours time-in-service (TIS) or if an engine in-flight shut down occurs, whichever occurs first, replace the MGB main module with an airworthy main module that does not have a freewheel shaft S/N listed in the applicability of this AD.
(g) After complying with paragraph (f) of this AD, remove the limitation required by paragraph (e) of this AD from the RFM.
We refer to flight hours as hours TIS. We require replacing each MGB module, listed in the applicability of this AD, within 40 hours TIS rather than using 40 hours TIS for some parts and 200 hours TIS for other parts. Also, we do not use the dates listed in the MCAI AD because those dates have passed.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, ATTN: Eric Haight, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5204, fax (817) 222-5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
