airworthiness · Rule · Final rule. · Published 2021-02-25 · Effective 2021-04-01 · 86 FR 11413
Document
Document number
2021-03662
Federal Register citation
86 FR 11413
Type
Rule
Action
Final rule.
Category
airworthiness
Manufacturer
Airbus
Publication date
2021-02-25
Effective date
2021-04-01
FAA docket
Docket No. FAA-2020-0983
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-05- 09, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters. AD 2018-05-09 required inspecting the tail rotor (T/R) flapping hinge link (hinge) and reporting the results. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the spindle bolts and the inner ring and needle bearings of each flapping hinge, corrective actions if necessary, and repetitive replacements of affected flapping hinge components, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. Replacement of all affected flapping hinge components on each flapping hinge is terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD also expands the applicability. This AD was prompted by a report of a damaged flapping hinge on a T/R blade. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.