AD/As 355/67 Amdt 3 Main Gearbox Lubrication Pump (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

On the effective date specified below, and for the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/AS 355/67 Amdt 2 and issues the following 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.

Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters

AD/AS 355/67 Amdt 3 Main Gearbox Lubrication Pump 12/2006

Applicability:

AS 355 E, F, F1, F2 and N model helicopters, equipped with main gearbox (MGB) lubrication pumps Part Number (P/N) 355A 32-0700-01:

with serial number (S/N) 5731 and subsequent;

or

with serial number less than S/N 5731, if they have been overhauled or repaired after 1 June 1995;

or

with serial number SAR 1, SAR 2 or SAR 5.

Requirement:

1.    Inspect the MGB magnetic plug and MGB oil sight in accordance with Paragraph 2.B.1 of Eurocopter AS 355 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 05.00.40R1, or later DGAC approved revision.

2.    Comply with Para 2.B.2. of ASB 05.00.40R1 or later DGAC approved revision.

3.    For pumps listed in the applicability section of this AD that have logged flying hours since new, overhaul or repair:

Comply with paragraph 2.B.2. of ASB 05.00.40R1 or later DGAC approved revision.

and

comply with paragraph 2.B.3. of ASB 05.00.40R1, or later DGAC approved revision, according to the serial number of the lubrication pump (refer to the equipment log card (FME)).

For pumps listed in the applicability section of this AD that are new or newly overhauled or repaired:

Leave as is,

or

comply with paragraph 2.B.3. of ASB 05.00.40R1, or later DGAC approved revision, according to the serial number of the lubrication pump (refer to the equipment log card (FME)).

Requirement 1 of this Directive may be carried out and certified by the pilot provided the pilot has completed an approved training program.

Note 1:  DGAC AD F-2006-027 EASA approval 2006-0020 dated 24 January, 2006 refers.  This AD supersedes DGAC AD F-2002-331-071 R2.

Compliance:

1.    Repetitively following the last flight of the day, but no later than 10 hours time in service since last inspection.

2.    As required after complying with Requirement 1.

3.    Before installation of the lubrication pump on a helicopter.

This Amendment becomes effective on 23 November 2006.

Background:

This Directive was originally issued to require the daily inspection of the helicopter main gearbox for evidence of impending failure of the gearbox lubrication pump.  The requirement reflects four reports of evidence of lubrication pump deterioration traced to a manufacturing defect.  Failure of the lubrication pump could result in the loss of gearbox drive train for one or both engines.

Amendment 1 reflected updated information from the regulatory authority and the manufacturer.

Amendment 2 changed the applicability section of the AD by incorporating additional details in that section.

This amendment adds additional serial number MGB pumps to the applicability section of the AD and makes amendment to Requirement 3.

The original issue of this AD became effective on 10 July 2002.

Amendment 1 of this AD became effective on 17 April 2003.

Amendment 2 of this AD became effective on 17 February 2005.

James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

12 October 2006