AD NUMBER: 2018-11-01

PRODUCT: Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters.

ACTION: Final Rule.

SUMMARY: This AD requires installing a cut-out for the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) rail support junction profiles and inspecting splices, frame 5295, and related equipment for a crack.

This AD was prompted by reports of cracks on frame 5295 and on splices installed to prevent those cracks.

DATES: This AD is effective June 27, 2018.

COST: The FAA estimates that this AD affects 4 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Operators may
incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD:

• Installing the cut-outs on frame 5295 requires 40 work-hours for a labor cost of $3,400. Parts cost $5,000 for total cost per helicopter of $8,400 and $33,600 for the U.S. fleet.
• Inspecting helicopter frame 5295 requires 2 work-hours for a labor cost of $170 per helicopter. No parts are needed for a total U.S. fleet cost of $680 per inspection cycle.
• Repairing a splice requires 40 work-hours and a parts cost of $5,000 for a total cost of $8,400 per helicopter.

Labor costs average $85 a work-hour.

FMI: AD