Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-23021 · Tail rotor drive shaft
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA341G and SA342J helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model SA341G and SA342J helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on the contact surfaces of the tail rotor inclined and horizontal drive shaft flanges. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the inclined and horizontal drive shaft flanges and, depending on the results, replacing the inclined or horizontal drive shaft. This AD also prohibits installing certain inclined and horizontal drive shafts unless certain requirements are met. These actions are specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation 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 AD 2023-0168, dated August 31, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0168).
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0168 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2023-0168 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 2023-0168 specifies sending corroded inclined or horizontal drive shaft to Airbus Helicopters, this AD does not require that action.
(4) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2023-0168.
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0168 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.
