Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21445 · Main rotor system
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD.
(1) Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, and AS350D helicopters.
(2) Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters.
(3) Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, and AS350D helicopters; Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters; and Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of failed main rotor hub- to-mast attachment screws. This AD requires determining whether the helicopter has been operated in a severe environment since the last inspection of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws, an inspection of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws if the helicopter has been operated in a severe environment, and replacement of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws if necessary, 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 2017-0032, dated February 17, 2017; corrected February 20, 2017 (EASA AD 2017-0032).
(1) Where EASA AD 2017-0032 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2017-0032 does not apply to this AD.
(3) Paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2017-0032 specifies to report inspection results to Airbus Helicopters within a certain compliance time. For this AD, report inspection results at the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(3)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
(4) Where EASA AD 2017-0032 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(5) Where the service information specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2017-0032 specifies to contact Airbus Helicopters if damage or corrosion exceeds existing criteria, for this AD, replace the affected screws using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA. For a repair method to be approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, as required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.
(6) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2017-0032 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD does not include that requirement.
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.
