AD 2022-20-07 Continues To Require Repetitively Inspecting The MGB Particle Detector...

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-10-10 for all Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters.

AD 2021-10-10 required repetitively inspecting the main gearbox (MGB) particle detector and the MGB bottom housing (oil sump) for metal particles, analyzing any metal particles that are found, and replacing the MGB if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-10-10, additional review concluded that installing an improved planet gear assembly is necessary. This AD continues to require repetitively inspecting the MGB particle detector and the MGB bottom housing (oil sump) for metal particles, and analyzing any metal particles that are found, and also requires replacing the planet gear assembly and repetitively inspecting and establishing an airworthiness limitation for that assembly as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective November 15, 2022.

Supplementary Information: The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2021-10-10, Amendment 39-21543 (86 FR 27271, May 20, 2021) (AD 2021-10-10). AD 2021-10-10 applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters. AD 2021-10-10 required repetitively inspecting the MGB particle detector and the MGB bottom housing (oil sump) for metal particles, analyzing any metal particles that are found, and replacement of the MGB if necessary. AD 2021-10-10 was prompted by EASA AD 2018-0272, dated December 13, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-0272), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Helicopters Model SA 330 J helicopters. The FAA issued AD 2021-10-10 to address failure of an MGB second stage planet gear, which could result in failure of the MGB and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 21, 2022 (87 FR 43453). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2021-0239, dated November 5, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0239). EASA AD 2021-0239 supersedes EASA AD 2018-0272 and continues to require repetitively inspecting the MGB particle detector and the MGB bottom housing (oil sump) for metal particles, and analyzing any metal particles that are found. EASA AD 2021-0239 also requires installing an MGB equipped with a new second-stage planet gear assembly part number (P/N) 330A32-9861-02 (mod 0751091) or modifying an affected MGB by having the second stage planet gear assembly replaced by an Airbus Helicopters qualified technician; and extends the compliance time for the repetitive MGB bottom housing (oil sump) inspections and establishes a life limit for post-mod 0751091 helicopters.

You may examine EASA AD 2021-0239 in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-0888.

In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2021-0239, described previously, as incorporated by reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD and except as discussed under “Differences Between this AD and the EASA AD.”

FMI: www.regulations.gov