AD/SA 315/14 - Main Gearbox - Pinion Splines (Cth)

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 39.001(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 SA 315 (Lama) Series Helicopters AD/SA 315/14 Main Gearbox - Pinion Splines 4/2007

Applicability: EUROCOPTER SA 315 helicopters fitted with Main Gear Boxes (MGB) P/Nos 319A62-00-000-1 to -4 with serial numbers (S/N) as listed in EUROCOPTER Alert Service Bulletin 05.40 excluding those MGB's having the suffix "V" after the S/N. Requirement: Action in accordance with DGAC AD 2001-368-045(A). Compliance: In accordance with DGAC AD 2001-368-045(A) with a revised effective date of 12 April 2007. This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 12 April 2007. Background: This AD is in response to an accident involving a SA 315 B helicopter. The accident was due to the loss of the tail rotor power transmission. The cause was the use of an unauthorized product (Loctite sealant) in the drive pinion splined assembly at the time of a revision or repair carried out by the company PILATUS.

David Punshon Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

21 February 2007