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 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters
AD/ECUREUIL/87 Main Rotor STARFLEX Star 7/2003
DM
Applicability: Model EC 130 version B4 helicopters equipped with STARFLEX stars part number 350A31.1916.00, installed on main rotor hubs pre. Mod. 076221.
Requirement: 1. Check the adhesive bead of the metal bushes bonded on the STARFLEX star arm end in accordance with paragraph 2 of Eurocopter EC 130 Alert Telex No.
05A001 R2.
2. Install a stop stud at the bottom of each frequency adapter per Mod. 076221, in accordance with paragraph 2 of Eurocopter EC 130 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 62A001.
Before installation of main rotor heads held as spares on a helicopter, install a stop stud at the bottom of each frequency adapter per Mod. 076221, in accordance with paragraph 2 of ASB No. 62A001.
Note: DGAC AD 2001-559-002(A) R3 refers.
Compliance: 1. After each flight following main rotor stoppage.
This Directive shall be entered on the Maintenance Release as maintenance required. The required visual inspection may be performed by the Pilot in Command who has been trained to do the inspection by an appropriately Qualified person. In this case, a copy of the Requirement document and this Directive is to be carried in the aircraft.
2. Before 30 June 2003, unless already accomplished.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 4 June 2003.
Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters
AD/ECUREUIL/87 (continued)
Background: The manufacturer received reports of bonding failure of the metal bush that is installed in the STARFLEX star arm ends. After being separated from the star arm the bush is centrifuged and immobilised at the frequency adapter cavity end.
Resulting wear on the star arm generates strong 1 omega main rotor vibrations in the cabin.
David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 30 May 2003
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 4 June 2003.