Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21614 · Main rotor system
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters, certificated in any category, all serial numbers.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters, all serial numbers. This AD was prompted by reports of the failure of the lower bearing cage of the main rotor hub (MRH) flapping hinges and of the presence of metallic particles at the bottom of a drag hinge. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the MRH chip detectors, or for helicopters not equipped with chip detectors, repetitive inspections of the oil for contamination by metallic particles, and corrective actions if necessary, 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 2019-0157, dated July 3, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0157).
(1) Where EASA AD 2019-0157 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2019-0157 does not apply to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2019-0157 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(4) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2019-0157 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service.
