AD NUMBER: 2017-17-01

PRODUCT: Airbus Helicopters (Airbus) Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters.

ACTION: Final Rule.

SUMMARY:  This AD requires inspections of the main rotor (M/R) blade attachment pins (attachment pins).

This AD was prompted by a report of three cracked attachment pins.

On May 11, 2017, at 82 FR 21956, the Federal Register published our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Model AS332L2 helicopters with an attachment pin part number (P/N) 332A31-2123-00 or P/N 332A31-2115-20 installed and Model EC225LP helicopters with an attachment pin P/N 332A31- 3204-20 installed.

The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2015-0016, dated January 30, 2015, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Model AS 332 L2 and EC 225 LP helicopters with certain part-numbered attachment pins installed. EASA advises of three cracked attachment pins on a Model AS 332 L2 helicopter, which resulted from a combination of factors including corrosion that had initiated in the inner diameter area of the attachment pin chamfer. EASA states that if this condition is not detected and corrected, it may lead to failure of the attachment pin with loss of control of the helicopter. Due to design similarity, Model EC225LP helicopters are also affected by this issue.

DATES: This AD is effective September 25, 2017.

COST: The FAA estimates that this AD affects 5 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per workhour.

For Model AS332L2 helicopters, there are no costs of compliance with this AD because there are no helicopters with this type certificate on the U.S. Registry. For Model EC225LP helicopters, which have ten attachment pins installed, inspecting the attachment pins takes about 1 work-hour for a total cost of $85 per helicopter and $425 for the U.S.
fleet. Removing corrosion takes about 1 work-hour for a total cost of $85 per attachment pin.

Replacing an attachment pin takes negligible additional labor time and required parts would cost about $5,720.

FMI: AD