2010-23-22: Main gearbox (MGB) modules

2010-23-22 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-16512. Docket No. FAA- 2010-1125; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-40-AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective on December 1, 2010. Other Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Model AS332L2 helicopters, certificated in any category, with a freewheel shaft, part number (P/N) 332A32- 2190-25, with No. 1 and No. 2 serial numbered shafts installed on a main gearbox (MGB) main reduction gear module (main module), with a P/N and serial number (S/N), as listed in the following table. Table--MGB Main Modules, With No. 1 and No. 2 Freewheel Shaft S/N Installed on main module P/N & S/N M1608, M945 332A32 3011 03M and M2062. M1078, M1087 332A32 3011 03M and M2088. M1272, M1273 332A32 3011 03M and M2104. M1688, M974 332A32 3011 03M and M2016. M1231, M937 332A32 3011 03M and M2079. M1115, M635 332A32 3011 03M and M4001. M1159, M907 332A32 3011 03M and M4004. M1124, M486 332A32 3011 01M and M2044. Reason (d) The MCAI AD states that a hard landing occurred during in- flight engine failure (one engine inoperative (OEI)) training. An examination of the main gearbox (MGB) revealed the failure of the right-hand freewheel unit was due to excessive wear on some of its components. The MCAI AD prohibits engine failure OEI training with helicopters on which certain MGB modules with certain freewheel shafts are installed and mandates the replacement of those modules. The actions are intended to prevent failure of certain freewheel units, loss of power to the main rotor system, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Actions and Compliance (e) Before further flight, unless already accomplished, insert the following limitation into the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM): "Engine failure (one-engine inoperative (OEI)) training is prohibited.'' You may comply with this requirement by making pen and ink changes to the Limitations section of the RFM or by inserting a copy of this AD into the Limitations section of the RFM. (f) Within 40 hours time-in-service (TIS) or if an engine in- flight shut down occurs, whichever occurs first, replace the MGB main module with an airworthy main module that does not have a freewheel shaft S/N listed in the applicability of this AD. (g) After complying with paragraph (f) of this AD, remove the limitation required by paragraph (e) of this AD from the RFM. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD (h) We refer to flight hours as hours TIS. We require replacing each MGB module, listed in the applicability of this AD, within 40 hours TIS rather than using 40 hours TIS for some parts and 200 hours TIS for other parts. Also, we do not use the dates listed in the MCAI AD because those dates have passed. Other Information (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group,FAA, ATTN: Eric Haight, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5204, fax (817) 222- 5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (j) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) MCAI AD No. 2007- 0312-E, dated December 21, 2007, and Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 01.00.74, dated December 20, 2007, contain related information. Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code (k) The JASC Code is 6300: Limitations--Main Rotor Drive System.