Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21409 · Main rotor gearbox
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters, certificated in any category, equipped with magnetic plugs, part number (P/N) 1B7807 or P/N 704A34543017 (electrical), or P/N 365A32-1711-00 (non-electrical), as applicable, installed in the main gearbox (MGB) pump intake.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters. This AD was prompted by the FAA's determination that to improve the process and performance in collecting metal particles in the main gear box (MGB) certain existing magnetic plugs (electrical and nonelectrical) installed in the MGB pump intake must be replaced with improved non-electrical magnetic plugs. This AD requires replacing the existing magnetic plug with an improved non- electrical magnetic plug, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now 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 Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018-0176, dated August 21, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-0176).
(1) Where EASA AD 2018-0176 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2018-0176 does not apply to this AD.
(3) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-0176 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD does not include that requirement.
(4) Where EASA AD 2018-0176 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
