AD/GAZELLE/20 Amdt 1 - Tail Gearbox (TGB) Support Tripod (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE On the effective date specified below, and for the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/GAZELLE/20 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.001(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 SA341 and SA342 (Gazelle) Series Helicopters AD/GAZELLE/20 Amdt 1 Tail Gearbox (TGB) Support Tripod 3/2006

Applicability: Model SA 341 G and SA 342 J helicopters, equipped with TGB support tripods part number 341A23-1136-00, -01, and -02. Requirement: Inspect for cracks in accordance with paragraph 2.B.1 of Eurocopter SA 341/342 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 05.32 R1, or later EASA approved revision.

If cracking is evident, before further flight, replace the TGB support tripod with a serviceable tripod assembly.

Before installation on a helicopter of a tripod assembly held as a spare, engrave the identification of the tripod assembly in accordance with paragraph 2.B.2. of ASB No. 05.32 R1, or later EASA approved revision.

Note: DGAC AD F-1997-144-038 R1 refers. Compliance: Inspect during each ALF-check, without exceeding 10 flight hours between two successive checks. This Amendment becomes effective on 16 March 2006. Background: Reports were received of cracks in the tripod arm welds on helicopters in service.