AD/EC 225/1 Main Rotor Blades Heated (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 225 Series Helicopters

AD/EC 225/1 Main Rotor Blades - Heated 11/2008 DM

Applicability:

EC 225 LP helicopters, all serial numbers, fitted with main rotor blades P/N
332A11-0055-00 fitted with de-icer assemblies with individual serial numbers below 400 and that have not been repaired in accordance with Repair sheet CN 456 or
CN 457.

Requirement:

For Main Rotor Blades installed on helicopters:

1.    On affected main rotor blades, having logged less than 100 flying hours since they were delivered new or since they were repaired at the factory:

Check the two neoprene layers, forming part of the de-icer assembly, for correct cohesion, in accordance with paragraphs 2.B.1, 2.B.2 and 2.B.3 of Eurocopter
EC 225 LP Alert service bulletin No. 01A002.

2.    On affected main rotor blades, having logged 100 flying hours or more since they were delivered new or since they were repaired at the factory:

Check the two neoprene layers, forming part of the de-icer assembly, for correct cohesion, in accordance with paragraphs 2.B.1, 2.B.2 and 2.B.3 of Eurocopter
EC 225 LP Alert service bulletin No. 01A002.

Results Interpretation

- If there is no loss of cohesion over the thickness of the edge strip between the two neoprene layers, forming part of the de-icer, caulk the cut and return the helicopter to its initial condition in compliance with the instructions given in paragraphs 2.B.4 and 2.B.5 of Eurocopter EC 225 LP Alert service bulletin No. 01A002.

- If there is a loss of cohesion from one adhesive face, over the thickness of the edge strip between the two neoprene layers, forming part of the de-icer, remove and replace the affected main rotor blade before the next flight.

For Main Rotor Blades not installed on helicopters:

Before installation on a helicopter, comply with the instructions given in paragraph 2 of Eurocopter EC 225 LP Alert service bulletin No. 01A002.

Note:  DGAC AD F-2008-012 dated 30 July 2008 refers.

Compliance:

1.    Before further flight.

2.    By 30 September 2008.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 15 September 2008.

Background:

This Airworthiness Directive is issued following a loss of cohesion between the two neoprene layers, forming part of the leading edge de-icer.  This Directive requires a check of the de-icing strip for loss of cohesion which could cause the stainless steel protective strip of the de-icer to detach from the main rotor blade.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

18 August 2008