Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22185 · Tail rotor control system
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters, certificated in any category.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an MBB-BK 117 C-2(e) designation are Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of excessively worn bolts that connect the cardan-pivot joint with the piston rod of the tail rotor actuator (TRA) assembly. This AD requires repetitively inspecting certain TRA assemblies, and depending on the results, replacing or repairing parts, or accomplishing additional inspections. This AD also prohibits installing an affected TRA assembly unless it passes required inspections. Lastly, this AD provides terminating actions for certain inspections, 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 2022-0086, dated May 13, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0086).
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0086 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0086 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where Note 1 of EASA AD 2022-0086 allows a non-cumulative tolerance of 10% to the repetitive inspection intervals specified in its paragraphs (1), (2.2), and (5.2), this AD requires the repetitive inspection intervals specified in paragraphs (h)(3)(i) through (iii) of this AD.
(i) For the repetitive inspection interval specified in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-0086, within intervals not to exceed 330 hours TIS.
(ii) For the repetitive inspection interval specified in paragraph (2.2) of EASA AD 2022-0086, within intervals not to exceed 165 hours TIS.
(iii) For the repetitive inspection interval specified in paragraph (5.2) of EASA AD 2022-0086, within intervals not to exceed 55 hours TIS.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0086 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service.
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0086 specifies maintaining a removed bolt for possible investigation purposes for four weeks, this AD does not require that action.
(6) Where paragraphs (3.1) and (5.1) of EASA AD 2022-0086 specify contacting AHD for approved repair instructions and accomplishing those instructions within the compliance time specified therein, this AD requires, before further flight, repair done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; EASA; or Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(7) This AD does not mandate compliance with the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2022-0086.
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0086 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
