Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21318 · Main rotor mast/swashplate
Airbus Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2021-04-18. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a manufacturing and control issue regarding the ceramic balls in the bearing installed in the swashplate assembly of the main rotor mast assembly. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the bearing in the swashplate assembly of the main rotor mast assembly for discrepancies (ceramic balls that have a hard point or sensitive axial play or both) and, depending on the findings, replacement of an affected main rotor mast assembly with a serviceable main rotor mast assembly, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0079, dated April 1, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0079).
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0079 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2020-0079 does not apply to this AD.
(3) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0079 specifies to return affected parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0079 specifies “compliance with the works steps concerned with the check is described in a video” this AD requires a complete rotation of the swashplate in both directions using a rate of one revolution per minute.
Note 1 to paragraph (h)(4): Refer to the video specified in the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0079 for guidance.
(5) Where EASA AD 2020-0079 refers to flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. The guidance provided by Note 1 to Table 1 in EASA AD 2020-0079 is still applicable.
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0079 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
