Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22684 · Main rotor gearbox
Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the lateral mounts of the main transmission support case. This AD requires repetitive visual inspections and fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPI) and, depending on the results, corrective action, 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 2022-0258, dated December 20, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0258).
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0258 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0258 specifies contacting Product Support Engineering for possible repairs regarding corrosion or pitting in a case bushing that exceeds allowable limits, this AD requires repair done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Where paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA AD 2022-0258 require replacing a component, this AD requires removing the component from service.
(4) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2022-0258 requires replacing the main transmission support case, this AD requires removing the main transmission support case assembly from service.
(5) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0258 requires accomplishing a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of the main transmission support case, this AD requires that FPI be accomplished by a Level II or Level III inspector certified in the FAA-acceptable standards for nondestructive inspection personnel.
Note 1 to paragraph (h)(5): Advisory Circular 65-31B contains examples of FAA-acceptable Level II and Level III qualification standards criteria for inspection personnel doing nondestructive test inspections.
(6) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2022-0258.
