Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21536 · Life raft
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, all manufacturer serial numbers, certificated in any category, equipped with emergency life rafts installed in the multi-purpose sponsons.
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-03-12 for certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. AD 2019-03-12 required repetitively inspecting, cleaning, and lubricating each life raft inflation cylinder percussion system bellcrank (bellcrank). This new AD continues to require the actions specified in AD 2019-03-12, and requires replacing any affected bellcrank with a serviceable bellcrank, which terminates the repetitive actions. This AD was prompted by reports of jammed bellcranks in the life raft jettison inflation cylinder percussion system. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.
For the purposes of this AD, the definitions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (4) of this AD apply.
(1) Group 1: Helicopters that have an affected part installed.
(2) Group 2: Helicopters that do not have an affected part installed. A helicopter that embodies Airbus Helicopters Modification 07 28457 in production is a Group 2 helicopter, provided the helicopter remains in that configuration.
(3) Affected part: Life raft release bell cranks part number (P/N) 332A41-4396-20 (left-hand (LH) side) and P/N 332A41-4396-21 (right-hand (RH) side).
(4) Serviceable part: Life raft release bell cranks P/N 332A41-4396-22 (LH) and P/N 332A41-4396-23 (RH).
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (e) of AD 2019-03-12, with a specified helicopter group and new Note 1. For Group 1: Before further flight, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 months:
(1) Clean each bellcrank and pivot link and inspect each bellcrank hole for corrosion. If there is any corrosion in a bellcrank hole:
(i) Remove the corrosion without exceeding a maximum depth of 0.1 millimeter (0.004 inch).
(ii) Clean each pivot link using 400-grain abrasive paper.
(iii) Apply corrosion protectant (Alodine 1200 or equivalent) to each bellcrank hole.
(2) Lubricate each bellcrank hole with grease before assembling the bellcrank.
Note 1 to paragraph (h): Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A050, Revision 0, dated July 22, 2016; and Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A050, Revision 1, dated April 3, 2019; specify procedures for cleaning and lubricating each bellcrank and pivot link of the life raft inflation cylinder percussion system and removing any corrosion.
For Group 1: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, or before the next operation over water, whichever occurs first, replace each affected bellcrank with a serviceable part, as defined in paragraph (g)(4) of this AD, in accordance with Paragraph 3.B.2. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC225-25A211, Revision 1, dated October 23, 2019; except where the service information specifies to remove and scrap certain parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service instead.
Accomplishment of the bellcrank replacement required by paragraph (i) of this AD is terminating action for the repetitive actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD for that helicopter only.
(1) For Group 1: After the replacement required by paragraph (i) of this AD is done, only a serviceable part, as defined in paragraph (g)(4) of this AD, is allowed to be installed on that helicopter.
(2) For Group 2: As of the effective date of this AD, only a serviceable part, as defined in paragraph (g)(4) of this AD, is allowed to be installed on any helicopter.
