AD 2020-09-01 Affecting AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N

The FAA has published the fact they have superseded Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-24-04 for Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters.

AD 2008-24-04 required repetitively inspecting the lubricating pump and checking the magnetic chip detector plug (chip detector) and the main gearbox (MGB) oil-sight glass. This new AD retains the requirements of AD 2008-24-04 and allows the option of altering the MGB oil flow distribution as a terminating action for the inspections. This AD was prompted by an alteration developed by Airbus Helicopters of the MGB oil flow distribution that corrects the unsafe condition. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

This AD is effective May 28, 2020.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to remove AD 2008-24-04, Amendment 39-15744 (73 FR 71530, November 25, 2008) (“AD 2008-24-04”) and add a new AD. AD 2008-24-04 applied to Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 31, 2019 (84 FR 72254). The NPRM proposed to continue to require the requirements of AD 2008-24-04 of repetitively inspecting the lubricating pump and checking the chip detector and the MGB oil-sight glass. The NPRM proposed to add an option to alter the lubrication system (modification (MOD) 077222) as a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. For those helicopters that incorporate Mod 077222, the NPRM also proposed to require using mineral oil 0-155 in the combiner gearbox instead of synthetic oil 0-156. This NPRM proposed to exclude helicopters with MOD 077222 from the applicability. An owner/operator (pilot) may perform the visual checks proposed by the NPRM and must enter compliance with that paragraph into the helicopter maintenance records in accordance with Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) §§ 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). A pilot may perform this check because it involves only a visual check and can be performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. This check is an exception to the FAA's standard maintenance regulations.

The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD No. 2007-0209R1, dated September 11, 2015 (EASA AD 2007-0209R1), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA AD 2007-0209R1 followed the issuance of service information by Airbus Helicopters to provide procedures for Airbus Helicopters MOD 077222, which improves the distribution of the oil flow between the accessory modules of the combiner gearbox and the MGB. EASA advises that Airbus Helicopters MOD 077222 provides the same level of safety as the MGB pump inspections. Accordingly, the EASA AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters with a lubrication pump part number 355A32-0700-01, 355A32-0700-02, or 355A32-0701-00 installed, except those with Airbus Helicopters MOD 077222 installed, and requires repetitive MGB pump inspections and chip detector and MGB oil-sight glass checks, and allows MOD 077222 as optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections.

The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but the FAA did not receive any comments on the NPRM.

FMI: www.faa.gov/#airworthinessDirectives