AD NUMBER: 2018-05-09

PRODUCT: Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters.

ACTION: Final Rule.

SUMMARY: This AD requires inspecting the tail rotor (T/R) flapping hinge link (hinge) and reporting the results.

This AD is prompted by a report of a damaged flapping hinge link.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 26, 2018.

COST: The FAA estimates that this AD affects 20 helicopters of U.S. Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD:

• At an average labor rate of $85 per hour, inspecting 5 T/R hinges will require 8 hours, and required materials cost would be minimal, for a cost per helicopter of $680 and a cost of $13,600 to the U.S. fleet.
• Reporting the inspection findings would require about 30 minutes, for a cost per helicopter of $43 and a cost of $860 to the U.S. fleet. If required, dye-penetrant inspecting the spindle bolt or inner ring would require about 1 hour, and required materials cost would be minimal, for a cost per helicopter of $85. If required, replacing a spindle bolt would require about 1 hour, and required parts would cost $625, for a cost per helicopter of $710.
• If required, replacing the bearing race would require about 1 hour, and required parts would cost $585, for a cost per helicopter of $670.
• If required, replacing the inner ring would require about 1 hour, and required parts would cost $1,986, for a cost per helicopter of $2,071.

FMI: AD