AD/SA 315/8 Tail Rotor Gearbox Support Lugs at Tail Boom (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 315/8 Tail Rotor Gearbox Support Lugs at Tail Boom 12/2006

Applicability:

Model SA 315 B helicopters.

Requirement:

1.    Inspect in accordance with paragraph 1.C.2. of Eurocopter Service Bulletin
No. 05.19.

2.    Visually inspect the tubes/tail rotor gearbox support lugs junction areas.

Note:  DGAC AD 82-29-22(B) refers.

Compliance:

1.    Unless already accomplished, within 50 flight hours after the effective date of this Directive.  Inspect thereafter at each removal/installation of the tail rotor gearbox and tail boom.

2.    After Requirement 1 compliance, during last flight of the day inspection; and, after every 400 flight hours of operation, accomplish a detailed visual inspection with a magnifying glass.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 23 November 2006.

Background:

The DGAC requires inspections to detect possible cracks at the location of the tail rotor gearbox support lugs on tail boom.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

13 October 2006