Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22949 · Main rotor mast/swashplate
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-04- 18, which applied to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. AD 2021-04-18 required repetitively inspecting the bearing in the swashplate assembly of certain main rotor (M/R) mast assemblies and, depending on the findings, replacing the M/R mast assembly. AD 2021-04- 18 also prohibited installing those M/R mast assemblies unless certain requirements were met. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-04-18, it was determined that additional M/R mast assemblies are affected by the same unsafe condition and that it is necessary to distinguish the affected part numbers between M/R mast assemblies and mast swashplate assemblies. This AD continues to require the actions specified in AD 2021-04-18 and adds additional part-numbered M/R mast assemblies and distinguishes the affected part numbers between M/R mast assemblies and mast swashplate assemblies, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also clarifies the possible consequences that could result from the unsafe condition and clarifies a requirement. 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 AD 2024-0160, dated August 16, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0160).
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0160 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2024-0160 refers to April 15, 2020 (the effective date of EASA AD 2020-0079, dated April 1, 2020), this AD requires using December 4, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-23-02, Amendment 39-21318 (85 FR 73607, November 19, 2020)).
(3) Where EASA AD 2024-0160 refers to December 16, 2020 (the effective date of EASA AD 2020-0264, dated December 2, 2020), this AD requires using March 25, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-04-18).
(4) Where EASA AD 2024-0160 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0160 specifies “work steps associated with the check are described in a video”, this AD requires a complete rotation of the swashplate in both directions using a rate of one revolution per minute.
(6) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0160 states “any discrepancy is detected, as defined in the ASB” this AD requires replacing that text with “there is any bearing race damage, which may be indicated by a hard point (ratcheting or blocking) or sensitive axial play on the ball bearing.”
Note 1 to paragraph (h)(6): A hard point sensation that disappears after back-and-forth motions is not considered a hard point.
(7) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0160 specifies to send certain parts to Airbus Helicopters, this AD does not require that action.
(8) The AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2024-0160.
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0160 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.
