AD/S-Puma/58 Swashplate Bearing Attaching 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 AS 332 (Super Puma) Series Helicopters

AD/S-PUMA/58 Swashplate Bearing Attaching Screws 7/2005 TX

Applicability:

AS 332 L2 EURCOPTER Helicopters: Main rotor mast assemblies, all part numbers.

Requirement:

1.    Perform a visual or a tactile check in order to make sure that all the screw heads are in place in compliance with the paragraph 2.B.2 of Eurocopter AS 332 L2 Alert Telex (TA) No 62.00.66 or later DGAC approved revisions.

2.    If one or more than one screw heads are missing, then:

(a)   Where the main rotor mast is installed, remove the main rotor mast assembly.

(b)   Where the main rotor mast is held as spares, do not install the main rotor mast assembly.

Note:  DGAC AD UF 2005-079 EASA reference No 2005-3936 dated 2 May 2005 refers.

Compliance:

1.    Main rotor mast assembly having logged less than 750 flying hours since new or since last overhaul:

At the latest at 770 flying hours since new or since last overhaul.

Main rotor mast assembly having logged 750 flying hours or more since new or since last overhaul:

No later than 20 flying hours after the effective date of this AD.

Main rotor mast assemblies not installed and having logged more than 750 flying hours since new or since last overhaul:

Before installation in a helicopter.

2.    (a)   Before the next flight.

       (b)   From the effective date of this Directive.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 9 May 2005.
Background:	Screw head loss from the main rotor mast could lead to loss of control of the helicopter.

James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

5 May 2005