Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21978 · Main rotor drive system
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0152R1, dated July 20, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0152R1).
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters. This AD was prompted by a review of Model EC225LP helicopter data that revealed potential tightening torque loss of the attachment screws of the upper deck fittings of the three main gearbox (MGB) suspension bars. Due to design similarities, the MGB right-hand (RH) rear fittings and MGB RH rear fitting attachment screws on Model SA330J helicopters could also be affected. Additional analysis confirmed that the service life limit (life limit) (SLL) for these affected MGB RH rear fittings needs to be reduced for helicopters on which these affected parts were operated concurrently with metallic main rotor blades installed. This AD requires determining the damage value and SLL of each affected MGB RH rear fitting, replacing each affected MGB RH rear fitting with a new part, and replacing the MGB RH rear fitting attachment screws, 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, EASA AD 2021-0152R1.
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0152R1 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0152R1 refers to July 9, 2021 (the effective date of EASA AD 2021-0152R1, dated June 25, 2021), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0152R1 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service.
(4) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0152R1 specifies that “The work must be performed on the helicopter by the operator.” this AD does not require that the operator perform the work.
(5) This AD does not mandate compliance with the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2021-0152R1.
(6) The preliminary steps specified in paragraph 3.B.1. of the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0152R1 are not required for compliance with this AD.
(7) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0152R1 specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters if the time since new (TSN) is unknown at the retrofit date, this AD requires determining the damage value and the SLL of each affected part but does not require contacting Airbus Helicopters if the TSN is unknown at the retrofit date.
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0152R1 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
