EASA AD 2017-0116R2
Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — Main Gearbox Magnetic Plugs — Inspection; Main Rotor Drive — Planet Gear Assemblies — Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0116R2 is an update addressing maintenance and inspection requirements for Airbus Helicopters SA 365 and AS 365 models. It mandates repetitive inspections of the main gearbox magnetic plugs and replacement of certain planet gear assemblies in the main rotor drive to prevent failures. This directive applies to all serial numbers of SA 365 N, SA 365 N1, AS 365 N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0116R2 revises the previous AD 2017-0116R1 by removing EC 155 helicopters from its applicability and deleting the repetitive 'after last flight' daily inspections of the main gearbox magnetic plugs. It retains the inspection and replacement requirements for affected planet gear assemblies but updates compliance methods and timelines.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of affected Airbus Helicopters models by mitigating the risk of main gearbox failures caused by planet gear spalling and cracking. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to avoid unsafe conditions and potential accidents. Compliance ensures reliability of the main rotor drive system and adherence to European aviation safety regulations.
What To Do
Operators must perform repetitive inspections of the main gearbox magnetic plugs within 10 flight hours after 16 June 2017 and continue at intervals not exceeding 10 flight hours. If particles exceeding specified criteria are found, corrective actions must be taken before the next flight. Replacement of affected planet gear assemblies must occur by 30 June 2019 or earlier depending on flight hour accumulation, and installation of planet gear assembly type X is prohibited from 16 June 2017 onward. Compliance with Airbus Helicopters service bulletins is required.
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