AD/S-Puma/57 Tail Servo-Control (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 39.1 (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 AS 332 (Super Puma) Series Helicopters

AD/S-PUMA/57 Tail Servo-Control 2/2005 TX

Applicability:	AS 332 L, L1, C, C1 and AS 332 L2 helicopters fitted with tail servo-controls part number (P/N) SC7251 or SC7270 or SC7252.
Requirement:	If not previously accomplished, perform a one time manual check for absence of axial play of the two levers along the distributor shafts of the tail servo-control in accordance with the instructions described in paragraph 2.B. of Alert Telex AS 332 67.00.31.
Note:  DGAC AD UF-2004-197 (EASA approval 2004-12558) refers.
Compliance:	For installed servo-controls which have accumulated more than 535 hours time in service (TIS) since new - Within 15 hours TIS after the effective date of this Directive.
For installed servo-controls which have accumulated less than 535 hours TIS since new - No later than 550 hours TIS since new.
For spare servo-controls which have accumulated more than 550 hours TIS since new - Before installation on aircraft.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 7 January 2005.
Background:	The Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile of France has advised that following removal of a tail servo-control for repair, it was reported that a control lever had slipped along the shaft of one of the distributors.  Investigation revealed that the control lever could have totally separated from the distributor shaft, which could result in tail servo-control failure.
This Directive requires a one time manual inspection to ensure the integrity of the servo-control assembly.

David Punshon
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

6 January 2005