EASA AD No.: 2013-0044-E

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EASA EMERGENCY AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

AD No.: 2013-0044-E

Date: 27 February 2013

Note: This Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued by EASA, acting in accordance 

with Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 on behalf of the European Community, its Member States 

and of the European third countries that participate in the activities of EASA under Article 66 of 

that Regulation.

This AD is issued in accordance with EU 748/2012, Part 21.A.3B. In accordance with EC 2042/2003 Annex I, Part M.A.301, the 

continuing airworthiness of an aircraft shall be ensured by accomplishing any applicable ADs. Consequently, no person may operate an 

aircraft to which an AD applies, except in accordance with the requirements of that AD, unless otherwise specified by the Agency [EC 

2042/2003 Annex I, Part M.A.303] or agreed with the Authority of the State of Registry [EC 216/2008, Article 14(4) exemption].

Design Approval Holder’s Name:

EUROCOPTER

Type/Model designation(s):

AS 350 helicopters

TCDS Number: EASA.R.008

Foreign AD: Not Applicable

Supersedure: None

ATA 63 Rotor Drive – Hydraulic Pump – Inspection / Replacement

Manufacturer(s): Eurocopter (formerly Eurocopter France, Aerospatiale)

Applicability: AS 350 B, AS 350 BA, AS 350 BB, AS 350 B1, AS 350 B2, AS 350 B3 and

AS 350 D helicopters, all serial numbers, if equipped with single hydraulic 

system (PRE MOD OP3346 or OP3082) and incorporating Eurocopter

modification 079566 (new hydraulic pump drive).

Reason: Six events were reported on AS 350 helicopters of hydraulic pump drive belt 

failure caused by seizure of the hydraulic pump drive pulley bearing.

The preliminary investigation results concluded that the installation of a new 

hydraulic pump drive (Eurocopter modification 079566) may have caused

excessive degradation.

For helicopter with a single hydraulic system, this condition, if not detected and 

corrected, can lead to loss of hydraulic servo assistance and increase in pilot 

work load that requires landing as soon as possible, as specified in the 

applicable Rotorcraft Flight Manual procedure.

For the reasons described above, this AD requires repetitive inspections and, 

depending on findings, replacement of the affected hydraulic pump drive 

assembly.

This AD is considered an interim action and further AD action may follow.

Effective Date: 01 March 2013
EASA AD No.: 2013-0044-E

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Required Action(s) 

and Compliance

Time(s):

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously:

(1) Initially, within 165 flight hours (FH) since first installation of the hydraulic 

pump on a helicopter, or within 10 FH after the effective date of this AD, 

whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 FH, 

inspect the hydraulic pump drive belt and drive pulley bearing in 

accordance with the instructions of Section 3 of Eurocopter AS350 

Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) 05.00.72.

(2) If, during any inspection as required by paragraph (1) of this AD, 

discrepancies (as defined in AS350 EASB No. 05.00.72) are found, before 

next flight, replace the hydraulic pump drive assembly in accordance with 

the instructions of Section 3 of Eurocopter AS350 EASB No. 05.00.72.

(3) After installation of a replacement hydraulic pump drive assembly as 

required by paragraph (2) of this AD, before exceeding 165 FH since first 

installation of that hydraulic pump drive assembly on a helicopter, re-start 

the initial and repetitive inspections in accordance with the requirements of 

paragraph (1) of this AD.

Ref. Publications: Eurocopter AS350 EASB 05.00.72 dated 26 February 2013.

The use of later approved revisions of this document is acceptable for 

compliance with the requirements of this AD.

Remarks: 1. If requested and appropriately substantiated, EASA can approve 

Alternative Methods of Compliance for this AD.

2. The results of the safety assessment have indicated the need for 

immediate publication and notification, without the full public consultation 

process.

3. Enquiries regarding this AD should be referred to the Safety Information 

Section, Executive Directorate, EASA. E-mail: ADs@easa.europa.eu.

4. For any question concerning the technical content of the requirements in 

this AD, please contact:

EUROCOPTER - Customer Service Technical Support Department, 

Aéroport de Marseille, Provence 13725 Marignane Cedex – France 

Telephone: + 33 (0)4 42 85 99 51,

Fax: + 33 (0)4 42 85 99 66

E-mail: Directive.technical-support@eurocopter.com.