AD NUMBER: 2019-19-13

PRODUCT: Certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY: This AD requires determining the total hours time-inservice (TIS) of the free wheel shafts of certain main rotor gearboxes (MGBs), replacing the MGB or right-hand side (RH) free wheel shaft, installing placard(s), and revising the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter.

This AD was prompted by a report of wear of the ramps of the RH free wheel shaft.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 5, 2019. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by December 20, 2019.

COST: The FAA estimates that this AD affects 23 helicopters of U.S. registry. Operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD:

Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour.

Determining the hours TIS of each free wheel shaft takes about 0.25 work-hour, for an estimated cost of $21 per helicopter and $483 for the U.S. fleet.

Installing placard(s) and revising the RFM for your helicopter takes about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter. Replacing an MGB takes about 40 work-hours and parts cost about $850,000 (overhauled), for an estimated cost of $853,400.

FMI: AD