2008-10-01: Spherical thrust bearings

2008-10-01 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-15507. Docket No. FAA- 2008-0489; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-59-AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective on May 21, 2008. Other Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Model EC120B helicopters, with spherical thrust bearings, part number 7050A3622036, serial number LK0130, LK0142, LK0155, and LK0158, installed, certificated in any category. Reason (d) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI) states: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) follows upon the discovery of a batch of spherical thrust bearings which prove to be unfit for flight. This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition caused by the manufacture of a batch of spherical thrust bearings that are not airworthy because they were not manufactured in accordance with approved type design. Failure of a spherical thrust bearing during flight could cause the main rotor (M/R) system to separate from the helicopter, which would be catastrophic. Actions and Compliance (e) Before further flight, remove any spherical thrust bearing, part number 7050A3622036, serial numbers LK0130, LK0142, LK0155, or LK0158, and replace it with an airworthy spherical thrust bearing. Differences Between the FAA AD and the MCAI (f) None. Subject (g) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 6220, Main Rotor Hub. Other FAA AD Provisions (h) The following information also applies to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5130, fax (817) 222-5961.(2) Airworthy Product: Use only FAA-approved corrective actions. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent) if the State of Design has an appropriate bilateral agreement with the United States. You are required to ensure the helicopter is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120- 0056. Related Information (i) Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information Direction generale de l'aviation civile Airworthiness Directive No. F-2006- 040, dated February 15, 2006, contains related information.