Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22047 · Main rotor gearbox
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365C1 and SA-365C2 helicopters, certificated in any category,
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365C1 and SA-365C2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a Model EC225 helicopter accident and subsequent investigation that determined that the level of particles in certain main gearboxes (MGB) could lead to a planet gear seizure. This AD requires inspecting the MGB magnetic plugs and oil filter for particles and, depending on the outcome of the inspections, further inspections and replacing certain parts, 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 paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0016, dated January 13, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0016).
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0016 refers to its effective date or July 28, 2020 (the effective date of EASA AD 2020-0156, dated July 14, 2020), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0016 requires actions during each “after last flight” of the day inspection, this AD requires those actions before the first flight of each day.
(3) Where EASA AD 2021-0016 refers to flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0016 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service.
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0016 specifies to return a certain part or send a certain part to an approved workshop, this AD requires removing that part from service.
(6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0016 specifies to use tooling, this AD allows the use of equivalent tooling.
(7) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0016 specifies to contact Airbus Helicopters if further particles are collected during close monitoring, this AD requires, before further flight, accomplishing a repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(8) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0016 specifies that certain requirements can be performed by a mechanical technician or pilot, this AD requires that the visual check of the MGB magnetic plugs be performed by a qualified mechanic.
(9) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0016 specifies that if any 16NCD13 or 18NC16 particles are present you are to take a 1-liter sample of oil and send it to the manufacturer, this AD does not require those actions.
(10) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0016 specifies to perform a metallurgical analysis and contact the manufacturer, this AD does require determining the characterization of particles collected but does not require contacting the manufacturer to determine the characterization of the particles collected.
(11) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0016 specifies to contact Airbus Helicopters for details on the MGB history, this AD does not require this action.
(12) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2021-0016 does not apply to this AD.
