AD/EC 135/10 Main Rotor Sliding Sleeve (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 135 Series Helicopters

AD/EC 135/10 Main Rotor - Sliding Sleeve 9/2005 TX

Applicability:

All Eurocopter EC 135 helicopters.

Requirement:

1.    Visually inspect the position of the upper plain journal bearing in the sliding sleeve in accordance with Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) EC135-62A-021, dated 23 June 2005.

2.    Open the gear cover and visually inspect the position of the lower plain journal bearing in the sliding sleeve, in accordance with ASB EC135-62A-021, dated 23 June 2005.

If either or both of the bushings is not in the correct position, further flight is only permitted under CIVIL AVIATION REGULATIONS 1988, REG 135A.

This inspection may be carried out and certified by a pilot, provided the pilot has completed an approved training program.

3.    Insert a copy of the flight manual page which is attached to ASB
EC135-62A-021, into the Flight Manual.

Note:  Luftfahrt-Bundesamt Airworthiness Directive D-2005-233(issued in accordance with Article 10.1 of European Union Regulation 1592/2002) refers.

Compliance:

1.    Before the next flight, and thereafter at each pre-flight check, after the effective date of this AD.

2.    Before the next flight, and thereafter at each pre-flight check, after the effective date of this AD.

3.    Before the next flight, after the effective date of this AD.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 30 June 2005.

Background:

Two reports of the plain journal bearings moving out from within the sliding sleeve have been received.  They were discovered during the pre-flight check.

If the plain journal bearing completely shifts towards the inside or the outside of the sliding sleeve, there is the possibility of a limited movement of the collective controls, and possible loss of control of the helicopter may result.

This AD is issued to address this potentially unsafe condition.

James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

28 June 2005