Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18670 · Main landing gear strut/axel/truck
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA 341G and Model SA 342J helicopters with a landing gear rear crosstube (crosstube) part number 341A415201.00 or 341A415201.01, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model SA341G and SA342J. This AD prohibits autorotation training flights until the hardness of the landing gear rear crosstube (crosstube) is inspected. This AD is prompted by two reports of crosstubes failing during ground handling. These actions are intended to prevent failure of a crosstube, which could result in dropping or tipping of the helicopter.
You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time.
(1) Before further flight:
(i) Amend the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) by inserting a copy of this AD or by making pen-and-ink changes in Section 1, Limitations, by adding the following: AUTOROTATION TRAINING FLIGHTS ARE PROHIBITED.
(ii) Install a placard on the instrument panel in full view of the pilots that states the following: AUTOROTATION TRAINING FLIGHTS ARE PROHIBITED.
(2) Within 25 hours time-in-service:
(i) Inspect the crosstube to determine whether the metal is coated. Make a copper sulfate solution by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2.b.1., of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. SA341/342-32.08, Revision 0, dated March 24, 2016 (ASB 32.08). Apply 2 to 3 drops of the solution to Area Z in Figure 1 of ASB 32.08 and wait 10 to 15 seconds. If a dark mark appears as shown in Area 2 of Figure 3 of ASB 32.08, there is no metal coating. If a light mark appears as shown in Area 4 of Figure 3 of ASB 32.08, remove all metal coating in Area Z of Figure 1 of ASB 32.08.
(ii) Inspect the hardness of the crosstube by using the criteria in the table under Paragraph 3.B.2.c. of ASB 32.08. If the hardness is not within the value range in the table, before further flight, replace the crosstube. If the hardness is within the value range in the table, apply corrosion protectant to Area Z in Figure 1 of ASB 32.08.
(iii) Remove the RFM limitation and the instrument panel placard required by paragraphs (e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii) of this AD.
