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 BK 117 Series Helicopters AD/GBK 117/14 Tail Rotor Drive Bearings 13/2003 Applicability: MBB-BK117 helicopters models A-1 though C-1 inclusive and incorporating any of the following: 1. A tail rotor transmission part number (P/N) 4639003001 or 4639003007 with a serial number (S/N) 900 through 932 inclusive; or b. An intermediate gearbox P/N 4639002001 or 4639002005 with a S/N 902 though 928 inclusive; or c. A tail rotor transmission P/N 4639003001 or 4639003007 that had been overhauled or repaired in the period 16 July 2001 to 14 April 2003, the effective date of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB-BK117-30-108 Revision 1; or d. An intermediate gearboxes that had been overhauled or repaired in the period 16 July 2001 to 14 April 2003, the effective date of Eurocopter ASB MBB-BK117- 30-108 Revision 1; or e. The tail rotor transmission and/or the intermediate gearbox is fitted with a bearing P/N 4639310006, S/N 3246 through 3598 inclusive; and f. The tail rotor transmission and/or the intermediate gearbox has not been inspected in accordance with Paragraph 2.B.2 of Eurocopter ASB MBB-BK117- 30-108 Revision 1. Requirement: 1. Installed tail rotor transmission and intermediate gearboxes not incorporating an electrical chip detector in the tail rotor transmission or intermediate gearboxes: 1. Inspect the magnetic plug of the tail rotor transmission in accordance with Paragraph 2A of Eurocopter ASB MBB-BK117-30-108 Revision 1. b. Inspect the magnetic plug of the intermediate gearbox in accordance with Paragraph 2A."Accomplishment Instructions" of Eurocopter ASB MBB- BK117-30-108 Revision 1. 2. Unless previously accomplished: Supply to ZF Lufthfahrttechnik, the serial numbers of all tail rotor transmissions and intermediate gearboxes that have overhauled or repaired in the period 16 July 2001 to 14 April 2003. 3. Unless previously accomplished: Installed tail rotor transmission and intermediate gearboxes 1. Remove the tail rotor transmission for an inspection in accordance with Paragraph 2.B.2 of Eurocopter ASB MBB-BK117-30-108 Revision 1. b. Remove the intermediate gearbox for an inspection in accordance with Paragraph 2.B.2 of Eurocopter ASB MBB-BK117-30-108 Revision 1. 4. Unless previously accomplished: Spare tail rotor transmission and intermediate gearboxes: 1. Forward the tail rotor transmission for an inspection in accordance with Paragraph 2.B.2 of Eurocopter ASB MBB-BK117-30-108 Revision 1. b. Forward the intermediate gearbox for an inspection in accordance with Paragraph 2.B.2 of Eurocopter ASB MBB-BK117-30-108 Revision 1. Note: LBA Airworthiness Directive 2003-161 refers. Compliance: 1. Before the first flight of the day pending compliance with Paragraph 2.B.2 of Eurocopter (ASB) MBB-BK117-30-108 Revision 1. 2. Prior to 31 January 2004. 3. Prior to 31 January 2004. 4. Prior to installation in a helicopter. This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 25 December 2003. Background: This directive has been issued in response to reports of cracks being found in the cage cover of certain bearings installed in BK117 tail rotor transmissions and intermediate gearboxes. Bearing failure could result in the failure of the tail rotor transmission or intermediate gearbox, causing loss of the control of the helicopter. Jim Coyne Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 14 November 2003 The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 3 December 2003.