AD 2008-02-11 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA332C, L, L1, and L2 Helicopters

Models named: AS332C, L, L1, L2. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Model AS332C, L, L1, and L2 helicopters, certificated in any category. Reason (d) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI) states: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued following the failure of an attachment bolt securing the main rotor RH servo-control to the non-rotating swash-plate. Failure of the servo-control/swash-plate attachment in flight leads to a catastrophic situation.

Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless already done, do the following actions: (1) For each swashplate attachment bolt, part number 332A31-1340-21, having 500 or more hours time-in-service, inspect for tightening torque, wear, and a crack in each of these three bolts that attach the main servo controls to the nonrotating swashplate. Do this inspection by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B. and Figure 1, of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 67.00.36, dated October 9, 2006 (ASB). (2) If there is a crack in a bolt or if the differential wear on a bolt between areas F, G, and H (as depicted in Figure 1 of the ASB) is more than 0.005 millimeter, replace the bolt with an airworthy bolt before further flight. Differences Between the FAA AD and the MCAI (f) We have changed the word “check” to “inspect” to more clearly indicate that we are requiring the work to be performed by a certificated mechanic. Also, this AD does not require that the operator send the information to the manufacturer as specified in the ASB.

Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless already done, do the following actions: (1) For each swashplate attachment bolt, part number 332A31-1340-21, having 500 or more hours time-in-service, inspect for tightening torque, wear, and a crack in each of these three bolts that attach the main servo controls to the nonrotating swashplate. Do this inspection by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B. and Figure 1, of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 67.00.36, dated October 9, 2006 (ASB). (2) If there is a crack in a bolt or if the differential wear on a bolt between areas F, G, and H (as depicted in Figure 1 of the ASB) is more than 0.005 millimeter, replace the bolt with an airworthy bolt before further flight. Differences Between the FAA AD and the MCAI (f) We have changed the word “check” to “inspect” to more clearly indicate that we are requiring the work to be performed by a certificated mechanic. Also, this AD does not require that the operator send the information to the manufacturer as specified in the ASB.