2020-27416: Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

Summary

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-23-05, which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, SA-366G1, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters. AD 2016-23-05 requires repetitive checks of the oil level of the tail rotor gearbox and, if necessary, filling the oil to the maximum level; and replacement of a certain control rod double bearing (bearing) with a new bearing. Since issuing AD 2016-23-05, the FAA has determined additional inspections, replacements, and modifications are necessary to address the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2016-23-05 and would add helicopters to the applicability. This proposed AD would also require modifying the helicopter by replacing the tail gearbox (TGB) control shaft guide bushes; repetitive inspections of the TGB magnetic plug and corrective actions if necessary; repetitive replacements of the bearing; and modifying the helicopter by replacing the TGB; as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which will be incorporated by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The agency’s own summary, as published.

What this changes

Amends 1 part of the Code of Federal Regulations — the standing rules this notice rewrites.

• 14 CFR 39 Airworthiness Directives