AD/EC 225/9 Fuselage Intermediate Gearbox Fairing Gutter (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 225/9 Fuselage - Intermediate Gearbox Fairing Gutter 11/2008

Applicability:

EC 225 LP helicopters, all serial numbers.

Requirement:

Perform a visual and tactile check of the IGB fairing gutter in accordance with the instructions given in paragraph 2.B.1 of EC225 Alert Service Bulletin No. 53A001.

If discrepancies are found perform corrective actions in accordance with the instructions given in paragraph 2.B.1 of EC225 Alert Service Bulletin No. 53A001.

Note:  EASA AD 2007-0090-E, dated 5 April 2007 refers.

Compliance:

Before further flight, if not already accomplished, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 165 hours.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 23 October 2008.

Background:

This Emergency Airworthiness Directive is issued following a further report of separation of the gutter, producing interference with the inclined drive shaft.  The wear resulting from this interference can, in time, lead to the failure of the drive shaft and the loss of the tail rotor drive.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

27 August 2008