AD/SA 315/17 Main Gearbox Freewheel Coupling Bolts (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 SA 315 (Lama) Series Helicopters

AD/SA 315/17 Main Gearbox - Freewheel Coupling Bolts 6/2007

Applicability:

Eurocopter SA315 helicopters.

Requirement:

Carry out a torque check of the bolts, Part Number (P/N) 3130S.62.02.012.1 attaching the freewheel ring gear, P/N 3130S.62.22.050, to the coupling flange, P/N 3160S.62.02.005, on the Main Gearbox (MGB).

Note:  DGAC AD 73-39-5 refers.

Compliance:

On new or overhauled MGB’s after 50 flight hours.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 7 June 2007.

Background:

Several cases of loose bolts have been discovered attaching the freewheel ring gear to the coupling flange on the MGB.

David Punshon
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

26 April 2007