AD/Arriel/33 Return To Civil Service (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Turbomeca Turbine Engines - Arriel Series

AD/ARRIEL/33 Return To Civil Service 5/2009

Applicability:

ARRIEL 2B, 2B1, 2B1A, 2C, 2C1, 2C2, 2S1 and 2S2 turboshaft engines originally assembled by TURBOMECA and having previously been used by an operator who is not under the control of a civil Authority (Military, Paramilitary…).

Note 1:  These engines are known to be installed on, but not limited to, the following helicopters: Eurocopter AS 350 B3, AS 365 N3, EC 130 B4, EC 155 B/B1, Sikorsky S76 C+/C++ helicopters.

Requirement:

Unless previously accomplished, incorporate Turbomeca Mandatory Service Bulletin 292 72 2817 original Issue or later approved revision.

Note 2:  EASA AD 2007-0117 dated 2 May 2007 refers.

Compliance:

Prior to the issue of a certificate of airworthiness for the aircraft after the effective date of this AD.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 7 May 2009.

Background:

The manufacturer has advised EASA (the certificating civil authority) that some helicopters equipped with these engines may be or may have been sold to civil operators.  The use of ARRIEL 2B, 2B1, 2B1A, 2C, 2C1, 2C2, 2S1 and 2S2 turboshaft engines which have been previously used by an operator who is not under the control of a civil Authority (Military Operator, Paramilitary, State…) may result in an unsafe condition.  Indeed, these engines have not been followed up within the framework of a civil regime and their configuration may not conform to the type definition approved by the civil Authority, especially concerning the modification standard, the applied repair schemes or the maintenance program for critical parts.

The operating limits approved by the civil Authority may also have been exceeded on these turboshaft engines.  It is reminded in particular that the life limits are based on normal civil operation cycles.

This AD requires the engine to undergo a review of its operating and service history to allow the issuing of an approved release note to allow the engine to return to civil service.

James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

27 March 2009