2018-08-01: Main Rotor Mast/Swashplate

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\n2018-08-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-19254; Docket No. FAA- 2018-0237; Product Identifier 2017-SW-145-AD. \n\n(a) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis AD applies to Model EC225LP helicopters, certificated in any category, with a main rotor (M/R) rotating swashplate (swashplate) part number (P/N) 332A31-3074-00 or P/N 332A31-3074-01 with a serial number listed in Appendix 4.A. of Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A051, Revision 1, dated November 16, 2017 (EASB 05A051). \n\n(b) Unsafe Condition \n\n\n\tThis AD defines the unsafe conditionas a crack in a swashplate control rod attachment yoke (yoke). This condition could result in failure of the yoke, loss of M/R control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. \n\n(c) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis AD becomes effective May 8, 2018. \n\n(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\tWithin 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS, visually inspect each yoke for a crack, paying particular attention to the areas shown in Details B, C, and D of Figure 1 of EASB 05A051. If there is a crack on a yoke, before further flight, replace the swashplate. \n\n(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, 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(g) Additional Information \n\n\n\tThe subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2017-0191R2, dated December 15, 2017. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2018-0237. \n\n(h) Subject \n\n\n\tJoint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6230 Main Rotor Mast/Swashplate. \n\n(i) Material Incorporated by Reference(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. \n\t(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(i) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 05A051, Revision 1, dated November 16, 2017. \n\tNote 1 to paragraph (i)(2)(i): Airbus Helicopters EASB No. 05A051, Revision 1, dated November 16, 2017, is co-published as one document along with Airbus Helicopters EASB No. 05A046, Revision 1, dated November 16, 2017, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD. \n\t(ii) Reserved. \n\t(3) For Airbus Helicopter's 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.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical_Support_73.html. \n\t(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N- 321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. \n\t(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.