AD/S-62/12 Main Rotor Blades (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.

Sikorsky S-62 Series Helicopters

AD/S-62/12 Main Rotor Blades 4/2005

Applicability:

Model S-62A helicopters.

Requirement:

1.    Retire part number S14-10-2100 series main rotor blades from service.

2.    Retire part number S14-10-2201 series main rotor blades from service.

3.    The service life limits may be extended to 6,000 total flight hours for main rotor blades part number S14-10-2201-9, and part numbers S14-10-2100 and S14-10-2201 series blades modified to S14-10-2201-9 blades, provided the blades are modified, operated, maintained, inspected, and retired in accordance with the requirements of Sikorsky Service Bulletin (SB) 62B10-6H, or a later FAA approved revision, or in accordance with the Maintenance Manual Chapter 39.

Note:  FAA AD 66-04-03 Amdt 39-194 refers.

Compliance:

1.    Upon the accumulation of 2,250 total flight hours.

2.    Upon the accumulation of 2,250 total flight hours.

3.    As specified in SB 62B10-6H or a later FAA approved revision, or the Maintenance Manual Chapter 39.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 14 April 2005.

Background:

The FAA requires certain actions to prevent operation with fatigue cracks in the spar of a main rotor blade.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

2 March 2005