Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22068 · Engine cowling system
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, SA-365N, SA-365N1, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, SA-365N, SA-365N1, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters. This AD was prompted by investigation results from an engine compartment fire, which determined some of the internal parts of the engine upper fixed cowling (engine cowling) were painted with finish paint on top of the primer layer. This AD requires a one-time inspection of certain part- numbered engine cowlings, 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 2021-0265, dated November 23, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0265).
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0265 requires compliance in terms of flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0265 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0265 specifies “in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 3.B of the applicable ASB,” for this AD replace “in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 3.B of the applicable ASB” with “in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.2.a. through 3.B.2.b. of the applicable ASB.”
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0265 specifies to repaint or replace the affected part, replace the text “repaint (with primer layer only) that affected part or replace it with a serviceable part in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 3.B. of the applicable ASB,” with “repaint (with primer layer only) that affected part in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 3.B.2.b. of the applicable ASB, or replace the affected part with a `serviceable part' as defined in EASA AD 2021-0265.”
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0265 specifies “identify again the engine upper fixed cowling (a), refer to paragraph 3.C.,” this AD does require modifying your helicopter by marking “ASB No. 53.00.38,” “ASB No. 53A40,” or “ASB No. 53.00.65,” as applicable to your helicopter, after the old P/N on the engine cowling with indelible ink, but does not require compliance with paragraph 3.C. of the “applicable ASB” as defined in EASA AD 2021-0265.
(6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0265 specifies during the interpretation of results from the visual check of the inside of the duct of the engine cowling, if there is any finish paint inside the duct, obey with paragraph 3.B.2.b. (i.e., perform corrective actions) not more than 6 months after you complied with paragraph 3.B.2.a., for this AD, if there is any finish paint inside the duct of the engine cowling, perform the corrective actions not more than 6 months after you complied with paragraph 3.B.2.a. Work Card 20-04-05-402 (MTC), referenced in the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2.b. of the “applicable ASB” as defined in EASA AD 2021-0265 is for reference only and is not required for the actions in this AD.
(7) Where the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2.b of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS365-53.00.65, and ASB EC155-53A040, both Revision 0, and both dated October 27, 2021, specify to refer to Work Card 53-50-00-402 (MET), or Task 53-54-00-061(AMM), to remove and install the engine cowling, for this AD those instructions are for reference only and are not required for the actions in this AD.
(8) This AD does not mandate compliance with the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2021-0265.
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0265 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
