AD/EC 120/15 Spherical Thrust Bearings (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.

Eurocopter EC 120 Series Helicopters

AD/EC 120/15 Spherical Thrust Bearings 4/2006 TX

Applicability:

EUROCOPTER EC 120 B helicopters fitted with spherical thrust bearing reference 7050A3622036 with serial numbers LK0130, LK0142, LK0155, and LK0158.

Requirement:

1.    The spherical thrust bearings listed in the applicability section of this AD are to be removed from service.

2.    Do not fit spherical thrust bearings listed in the applicability section of this AD.

Note:  DGAC AD UF-2006-040 Corr refers.

Compliance:

1.    Before further flight after the effective date of this AD.

2.    From the effective date of this AD.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 10 February 2006.

Background:

The DGAC have advised that a batch of spherical thrust bearings have been introduced into service which does not meet specification.

James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

6 February 2006