2016-11-21: Swashplate Ring, Cardan Ring, Bolt, Mixing Lever Gear Unit (flight controls)

Adoption of the Amendment \n\n\n\tAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n\n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): \n\n2016-11-21 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH): Amendment 39-18548; Docket No. FAA- 2014-0903; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-043-AD. \n\n(a) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis AD applies to Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135T1, EC135T2, and EC135T2+ helicopters, certificated in any category. \n\n(b) Unsafe Condition \n\n\n\tThis AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of a critical part, which could result in loss of control of the helicopter. \n\n(c) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis AD becomes effective July 11, 2016.(d) Compliance \n\n\n\tYou are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. \n\n(e) Required Actions \n\n\n\tBefore further flight: \n\t(1) Revise the life limit of each part listed in paragraphs (e)(1)(i) and (ii) in the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the applicable maintenance manual and record the revised life limit on the component history card or equivalent record as follows: \n\t(i) For swashplate parts: \n\t(A) Ring (bearing ring), part number (P/N) L623M2001214, reduce the life limit from 8,300 hours time-in-service (TIS) to 8,000 hours TIS. \n\t(B) Ring (control ring), P/N L623M2001213, reduce the life limit from 8,300 hours TIS to 8,000 hours TIS. \n\t(C) Cardan ring (two-part), P/N L623M2005205, reduce the life limit from 14,400 hours TIS to 12,900 hours TIS. \n\t(D) Bolt (control ring), P/N L671M7001215, reduce the life limit from 14,400 hours TIS to 12,900 hours TIS. \n\t(E) Bolt (sliding sleeve), P/N L623M2006206 and P/N L623M2006213, reduce the life limit from 14,400 hours TIS to 12,900 hours TIS. \n\t(ii) For mixing lever gear unit parts: \n\t(A) Forked lever assembly, P/N L671M3012102, reduce the life limit from 9,000 hours TIS to 8,700 hours TIS. \n\t(B) Hinged support, P/N L671M7003210, reduce the life limit from 8,700 hours TIS to 8,400 hours TIS. \n\t(C) Bolt, P/N L671M7001220, reduce the life limit from 8,700 hours TIS to 8,400 hours TIS. \n\t(2) Remove from service any part listed in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD that has reached or exceeded its newly revised life limit. \n\n(f) Special Flight Permits \n\n\n\tSpecial flight permits are limited to a one-time flight to a maintenance facility to replace a part that has reached its life limit. \n\n(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected]. \n\t(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. \n\n(h) Additional Information \n\n\n\t(1) Eurocopter Master Servicing Manual EC135 Chapter 04-- Airworthiness Limitations Section, Revision 14, dated July 1, 2012, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this final rule. For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You may review a copy of the service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. \n\t(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2013-0178, dated August 7, 2013. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2014-0903. \n\n(i) Subject \n\n\n\tJoint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6300, 2700 Swashplate Ring, Cardan \n\n((Page 36139)) \n\nRing, Bolt, Mixing Lever Gear Unit (flight controls).