AD/EC 225/4 Main Rotor Hub Dome Fairing Attachment Screws (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 225/4 Main Rotor Hub Dome Fairing
Attachment Screws 11/2008

Applicability:

EC 225 LP helicopters, all serial numbers.

Requirement:

1.    Check that there is no crack in the dome fairing support and readjust the tightening torque of the screws which secure the dome fairing support to the dome fairing, in accordance with instructions specified in paragraph 2.B.2 of EUROCOPTER EC 225 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 05A005.

2.    Readjust the tightening torque of the dome fairing support attachment screws on the dome fairing in accordance with the instructions specified in paragraph 2.B.3 of EUROCOPTER EC 225 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 05A005.

Note:  EASA AD 2006-0169-E, dated 14 June 2006 refers.

Compliance:

1.    Before further flight, if not already accomplished.

2.    At intervals not exceeding 165 flying hours.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 23 October 2008.

Background:

This Emergency Airworthiness Directive is issued following the discovery of two cracks in the dome fairing attachment on the dome fairing support.  These fatigue cracks are due to the loss of tightening torque of the screws which secure this assembly.  These cracks, in time, can lead to the loss of the dome fairing in flight.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

27 August 2008