Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-19155 · Main gearbox mast
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters, certificated in any category, with a main rotor (M/R) mast jet oil lubrication hose (oil hose) part number (P/N) 704A34-412-015 (manufacturing P/N 4T13), except those marked with an X following the P/N, installed.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the main rotor (M/R) mast jet oil lubrication hose (oil hose). This AD is prompted by a report of a blocked oil hose. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these helicopters.
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) Within 30 hours time-in-service (TIS), disconnect the upper end of the oil hose and inspect the inside of the hose for oil.
(i) If there is no oil inside the hose, before further flight, replace the M/R mast and oil hose.
(ii) If there is oil inside the hose, within 30 hours TIS, remove the oil hose and blow air through the oil hose using an air gun.
(A) If no air flows through the oil hose, before further flight, replace the M/R mast and oil hose.
(B) If air does flow through the oil hose, inspect the oil hose for any blockage by inserting two cable ties or a semi-rigid piece of wire with a diameter of 2 to 2.3 millimeters (mm) a minimum of 100 mm into each end of the oil hose.
(1) If there is any blockage, before further flight, replace the M/R mast and oil hose.
(2) If there is no blockage, re-identify the oil hose by vibro-etching the letter “X” after the P/N.
(2) Do not install an oil hose P/N 704A34-412-015 on any helicopter unless it has been inspected as required by this AD.
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.
