Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21609 · Tail rotor head
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters, certificated in any category, with a tail rotor hub (TRH) assembly, having part number (P/N) 332A33-0001-05 or P/N 332A33-0001-06, installed.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a yaw control failure that was the result of the disconnection of the tail rotor hub (TRH) pitch control rod from the tail rotor servo-control, which resulted from a seized TRH bearing. The TRH bearing had grease dissolving after contamination by leaked hydraulic fluid from the tail rotor servo- control that came through the TRH assembly boot. This AD requires repetitive inspections for hydraulic leaks, corrective actions if necessary, and an optional modification which constitutes terminating action, 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 2020-0021, dated February 6, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0021).
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0021 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2020-0021 does not apply to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2020-0021 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(4) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2020-0021 requires doing inspections “in accordance with the instructions of the ASB [alert service bulletin],” this AD requires accomplishing a visual inspection for any hydraulic fluid leak at the TRH boot.
(5) Where EASA AD 2020-0021 refers to February 28, 2004 (the effective date of Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) AD F-2004-031, dated February 18, 2004), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
