Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16798 · Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 Helicopters
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 Helicopters
Models AS332C, L, L1, and L2 helicopters, with main rotor servocontrols, part number (P/N) SC7203-1 with serial number (S/N) 633 through 643, 645 through 659, 664 or 665, or P/N SC7221-1 with S/N 1693 through 1723 and 1726 or 1727, which are not marked with a letter “R” after the S/N, certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter model helicopters. This action requires inspecting the upper end fitting ball joints of the main rotor servocontrols for lateral play, and depending on the findings either repetitively inspecting the ball joint or replacing the servocontrol. This amendment is prompted by reports of noncompliant swaging of the end fitting ball joints on main rotor servocontrols. Investigation has shown that the swaging load applied to the ball joints was 1.3 metric tons instead of the specified 13 metric tons. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent failure of the upper end fitting ball joints of the main rotor servocontrols, failure of the upper end fittings, and loss of control of the helicopter.
To prevent failure of the upper end fitting ball joints of the main rotor servocontrols, failure of the upper end fittings, and loss of control of the helicopter, do the following:
(a) Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless accomplished previously, using a feeler gage, measure the lateral play between the outer ring of the ball joint and each of the two faces of the upper end fitting as depicted in Figure 1 of this AD.
(b) If the lateral play is greater than or equal to 1 millimeter (MM) (0.04 inch) and the servocontrol has accumulated 825 or more hours TIS, before further flight, replace it with an airworthy servocontrol.
(c) If the lateral play is greater than or equal to 1 mm (0.04 inch) and the servocontrol has accumulated less than 825 hours TIS, on or before the servocontrol accumulates 825 hours TIS, replace it with an airworthy servocontrol.
(d) If the lateral play is less than 1 mm (0.04 inch), at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD. At each 300 hour TIS interval inspection, if the lateral play is greater than or equal to 1 mm (0.04 inch), within 525 hours TIS, replace the servocontrol with an airworthy servocontrol.
Note 1: An acceptable method of returning the servocontrol to an airworthy condition for the purposes of this AD is by modifying the servocontrol and marking an “R” after the S/N by following Goodrich Service Bulletin (SB) No. SC7203-67-31-02, dated May 11, 2010, for servocontrol, P/N SC7203-1, or Goodrich SB No. SC72216739-02, dated May 11, 2010, for servocontrol, P/N SC7221 1. The Goodrich SBs are attached to Eurocopter Emergency Alert SB containing two numbers (67.00.40 and 67-00.27), dated June 15, 2010 as Appendix 1 and Appendix 2, respectively. None of these three SBs is incorporated by reference in this AD.
(e) Replacing a servocontrol with an airworthy servocontrol that is marked with a letter “R” by the manufacturer after the S/N constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
(f) 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, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, ATTN: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Regulations and Guidance Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5130, fax (817) 222 5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(g) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 6730: Rotorcraft Servo System.
