2016-23-05: Tail Rotor Gearbox

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-25-08, Amendment 39-15290 (72 FR 69604, December 10, 2007), and adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): \n\n2016-23-05 Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France): Amendment 39-18712; Docket No. FAA-2016-9396; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-034-AD. \n\n(a) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis AD applies to Model SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, SA- 366G1, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters with a tail rotor gearbox (TGB) pitch control rod assembly double bearing (bearing) part number (P/N) 704A33-651-093 or P/N 704A33-651-104 installed, certificated in any category.(b) Unsafe Condition \n\n\n\tThis AD defines the unsafe condition as damage to the bearing, which could result in end play, loss of tail rotor pitch control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. \n\n\n\t(c) Affected ADs \n\n\n\tThis AD supersedes AD 2007-25-08, Amendment 39-15290 (72 FR 69604, December 10, 2007). \n\n\n\t(d) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis AD becomes effective December 12, 2016. \n\n\n\t(e) 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((Page 85129)) \n\n\n\t(f) Required Actions \n\n\n\t(1) Before further flight and thereafter at the following intervals, check the TGB oil level: \n\t(i) For Model SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters, at intervals not to exceed 10 hours time-in-service (TIS). \n\t(ii) For Model SA366G1 helicopters, before the first flight of each day. \n\t(iii) For Model EC 155B and EC155B1 helicopters, at intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS. \n\t(iv) The actions required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9 (a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. \n\t(2) If the oil level is not at maximum, before further flight, a qualified mechanic must fill it to the maximum level. \n\t(3) Within 15 hours TIS, replace the bearing P/N 704A33-651-093 or P/N 704A33-651-104 with a bearing P/N 704A33-651-245 or P/N 704A33-651-246. \n\t(4) Do not install bearing P/N 704A33-651-093 or P/N 704A33-651- 104 on any helicopter. \n\n\n\t(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: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222- 5116; 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\n\t(h) Additional Information \n\n\n\t(1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS365- 01.00.67, No. EC155-04A014, and No. SA366-01.29, each Revision 0 and dated May 4, 2016, which are not incorporated by reference, contain 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. 2016-0097R1, dated May 25, 2016. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2016-9396. \n\n\n\t(i) Subject \n\n\n\tJoint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6520 Tail Rotor Gearbox.