AD 2025-24-03 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

Models named: EC225LP. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, certificated in any category, with the parts identified in paragraphs (c)(1) or (2) of this AD installed, with “XX” denoting any dash number. (1) With a main rotor gearbox (MGB) part number (P/N) 332A32-5001-XX, 332A32-5002-XX, or 332A32-5003-XX, with a main reduction gear module (main module), with modification (MOD) 07-53016 (16-roller free wheel of free wheel shaft P/N 332A322191.20) installed, P/N 332A32-5011-XX, 332A32-5012-XX, or 332A32-5013-XX. (2) With an MGB P/N 332A32-5004-XX with a main module P/N 332A32-5400-00.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

(1) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, determine the total hours TIS of the RH free wheel shaft since new or last RH free wheel shaft replacement during overhaul. (i) If the total hours TIS of the RH free wheel shaft is 1,000 or more hours TIS, before further flight, replace the MGB or replace the RH free wheel shaft. Thereafter, before any RH free wheel shaft accumulates 1,000 total hours TIS, replace the MGB or replace the RH free wheel shaft. (ii) If the total hours TIS of the RH free wheel shaft is less than 1,000 hours TIS, before exceeding 1,000 hours TIS, and thereafter before any RH free wheel shaft accumulates 1,000 total hours TIS, replace the MGB or replace the RH free wheel shaft. (2) Within 10 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD: (i) Install one or two self-adhesive placards on the instrument panel in full view of the pilot and co-pilot with 6-millimeter red letters on a white background that state the information contained in figure 1 to paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD. Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2)(i): Figure 4 of Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-04A016, Revision 4, dated June 19, 2023, shows an example of this placard. Figure 1 to Paragraph (g)(2)(i) ER20NO25.006 (ii) After installing the placard(s) required by paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD, before further flight, revise the limitations section of the existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for the helicopter by adding the information in figure 2 to paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this AD, by inserting a copy of this AD, or by making pen-and-ink changes. The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may revise the existing RFM and must enter compliance with this RFM revision into the helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. Figure 2 to Paragraph (g)(2)(ii) ER20NO25.007 (3) For Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters with parts identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD installed, with “XX” denoting any dash number, as an optional terminating action for the requirements of this AD, install MGB P/N 332A32-5001-XX, 332A32-5002-XX, or 332A32-5003-XX, with a main module (12-roller free wheel), without MOD 07-53016 installed, P/N 332A32-5011-XX, 332A32-5012-XX, or 332A32-5013-XX.

This AD was prompted by a report of wear detected on the right-hand side (RH) free wheel shaft. In addition, since AD 2019-19-13 was issued, the FAA has determined that additional parts are affected by the same unsafe condition. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent wear of the ramps of the right-hand side (RH) free wheel shaft. During an in-flight shutdown of the left-hand side engine, wear of the ramps of the RH free wheel shaft, if not addressed, could result in reduced ability to transfer one engine inoperative (OEI) power from the RH engine to the main rotor, and subsequent reduced control of the helicopter.

This AD replaces AD 2019-19-13, Amendment 39-19749 (84 FR 56109, October 21, 2019) (AD 2019-19-13).