Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-23205 · Main rotor mast/swashplate
Hélicoptères Guimbal Helicopters
This AD applies to Hélicoptères Guimbal (Guimbal) Model Cabri G2 helicopters, certificated in any category, with a main rotor swashplate part number (P/N) G41-00-000 installed.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal (Guimbal) Model Cabri G2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked main rotor swashplates (swashplates). This AD requires repetitively inspecting certain swashplates for cracks and, depending on the results, removing and replacing each cracked swashplate. This AD also prohibits installing an affected swashplate unless it has passed the inspection requirements. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
(1) Within the compliance time listed in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 60 hours time in service (TIS) or 14 months, whichever occurs first, visually inspect with a flashlight all six arms of both the rotating and non-rotating swashplates for a crack, paying particular attention to each face of each clevis arm as shown in the picture under paragraph (a) of Guimbal Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 24-001, Revision C, dated March 20, 2024 (Guimbal SB 24-001 C).
| Swashplate serial No. | Initial compliance time |
|---|---|
| 801 through 1077 inclusive | Within 30 hours TIS or 4 months, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD. |
| 1078 and higher | Within 60 hours TIS or 6 months, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD. |
(2) If a crack is found on a swashplate during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before further flight, remove the cracked swashplate from service and install an airworthy swashplate.
(3) If there is paint damage (i.e., scratches, fading, peeling, discoloration, staining, or cracking), found on any swashplate during an inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, remove the paint using P600-GRIT abrasive for further crack inspection and retouch all areas of each swashplate where paint was removed by following paragraph (d) of Guimbal SB 24-001 C.
As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a swashplate having P/N G41-00-000 on any helicopter, unless it has been inspected in accordance with paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
