COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters
AD/AS 355/34
Amdt 1
Rotating Swashplate Bearing 4/90 DM
Applicability: All AS 355 series helicopters.
Requirement: 1. Inspect swashplate in accordance with Paragraph 1C(a) to 1C(f) of Aerospatiale SB 62-16.
2. Grease the swashplate bearing in accordance with Paragraph 1C(i) of Aerospatiale SB 62-16.
3. Incorporate the requirements of Aerospatiale SB 62-07 Revision 1.
4. Visually inspect the swashplate in accordance with Paragraph 1C(g) of Aerospatiale SB 62-16.
Compliance: 1. Unless already accomplished, within 10 hours time in service after 16 February 1990 or by 9 March 1990, whichever occurs first.
2. At intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service.
3. At next “T” type inspection after 31 March 1990 or by 31 December 1990, whichever occurs first.
4. Immediately after last flight of each day. This inspection may be carried out by pilot in command in which case the precise AD reference shall be entered in a certification made on the Maintenance Release together with any defects found during the inspection.
Background: The manufacturer has advised that due to seizure of the swashplate bearing a helicopter accident has occurred. This Amendment revises the inspection procedures to improve the possibility of detection of an imminent bearing failure.