Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21543 · Main rotor gearbox
Airbus Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2022-20-07. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters. This AD was prompted by the failure of a second stage planet gear installed in the main gearbox (MGB). This AD requires repetitively inspecting the MGB particle detector and the MGB bottom housing (oil sump) for metal particles, analyzing any metal particles that are found, and replacement of the MGB 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 2018-0272, dated December 13, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-0272).
(1) Where EASA AD 2018-0272 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2018-0272 refers to March 30, 2018 (the effective date of EASA AD 2018-0065, dated March 23, 2018), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2018-0272 does not apply to this AD.
(4) Where EASA AD 2018-0272 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(5) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2018-0272 specifies to inspect the MGB particle detector “in accordance with the instructions of Section 3 of the ASB” for this AD use “in accordance with the instructions in step 3.B.2.a. of the ASB.”
(6) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2018-0272 specifies to inspect the MGB bottom housing (oil sump) “in accordance with the instructions of Section 3 of the ASB” for this AD use “in accordance with the instructions in step 3.B.2.b. of the ASB.”
(7) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-0272 specifies to perform a metallurgical analysis and contact the manufacturer if unsure about the characterization of the particles collected, this AD does not require contacting the manufacturer to determine the characterization of the particles collected.
(8) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-0272 specifies that if any 16NCD13 particles are found to contact the manufacturer and send a 1-liter sample of oil to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.
(9) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-0272 specifies returning certain parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.
(10) Where EASA AD 2018-0272 specifies actions be done after the last flight of the day or “ALF,” this AD requires doing those actions before the first flight of the day.
(11) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-0272 specifies discarding certain parts, this AD requires removing the parts from service.
