Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16693 · Eurocopter France Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and EC130 B4 Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and EC130 B4 Helicopters
This AD applies to Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and EC130 B4 helicopters with ARRIEL engines with Aircraft Parts Corporation (APC) starter-generators, part number (P/N) 150SG122Q or P/N 200SGL130Q, without “004” marked on the identification plate, installed, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (ECF) helicopters. This AD results from a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the aviation authority of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. The superseding MCAI AD states that several engine flameouts have involved failure of the 41-tooth pinion in the engine accessory gearbox. Each affected helicopter had a starter-generator manufactured by one company. Investigation revealed the torque damping system of the starter-generator was inoperative due to incorrect adjustment that caused bending stresses on the 41-tooth pinion. Failure of the pinion causes the engine fuel pump to stop operating, resulting in an engine flameout. The EASA AD requires a new adjustment procedure to optimize the performance of the specified starter-generator damping assembly. This AD is intended to prevent failure of a pinion and a fuel pump, engine flameout, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 3 months, whichever occurs first, unless already accomplished, do the following:
(1) Replace the cup springs and fan nut, functionally test the damping system, and after this modification, mark “004” on the identification plate of the APC starter generator, as depicted in Figures 1 and 2, and by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2., of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 80.00.07, Revision 1, dated February 6, 2009, for the Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, and B3 helicopters; or ASB No. 80A003, Revision 1, dated February 6, 2009, for the Model EC130 B4 helicopter.
(2) Before installing an APC starter-generator with P/N 150SG122Q or P/N 200SGL130Q, comply with the requirements of this AD.
The MCAI AD refers to flight hours instead of hours time-in-service.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, Attn: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Ed Cuevas, ASW-112, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Safety Management Group, 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.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
Aircraft
