Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22833 · Main rotor system
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of water in the oil of a main gearbox (MGB). This AD requires replacing certain main rotor (M/R) mast upper stops assembly screws. This AD also requires inspecting certain M/R mast cover plates and accomplishing MGB oil analyses and, depending on the results, taking corrective action. This AD prohibits installing certain M/R mast upper stops assembly screws, M/R masts with an affected M/R mast upper stops assembly screw installed, and used M/R mast cover plates on any helicopter. Lastly, this AD prohibits installing affected M/R masts unless the inspections are done. These actions are 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 2022-0104, dated June 9, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0104).
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0104 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0104 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the material referenced in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0104 specifies using a rule (item zz), this AD requires using a straight edge.
(4) Instead of complying with paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0104, comply with the following, “For Group 2 helicopters: Within 110 hours time-in-service or 3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, collect a main gearbox oil sample and send the main gearbox oil sample for water content analysis. Thereafter, within 110 hours time-in-service or 3 months after accomplishing the initial instance of those actions, whichever occurs later, collect another main gearbox oil sample and send the main gearbox oil sample for water content analysis.”
(5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0104 specifies discarding a part, this AD requires removing that part from service.
(6) Where paragraphs (4.2) and (5) of EASA AD 2022-0104 specify contacting AH [Airbus Helicopters] with a request to accomplish a DET, this AD requires a detailed inspection done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, 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. The detailed inspection must define what is considered a discrepancy.
(7) Instead of complying with paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2022-0104, comply with the following, “If there is a discrepancy as a result of the detailed inspection, before further flight, replace the main gearbox with an airworthy main gearbox.”
(8) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2022-0104.
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0104 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.
