ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN AS350 

Approved under EASA DOA No. 21J.056. 80.00.07 Page 1/11

 2009.02.06

 

This document is available on the internet: www.eurocopter.com/techpub 

 EUROCOPTER

DIRECTION TECHNIQUE SUPPORT

13725 MARIGNANE CEDEX FRANCE CIVIL VERSION(S): B, BA, BB, B1, B2, 

B3 

 MILITARY VERSION(S): L1 

 ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN 

No. 80.00.07 

SUBJECT: ENGINE STARTING

Assembly check of AIRCRAFT PARTS CORPORATION (APC) startergenerators with part numbers 150SG122Q and 200SGL130Q

ATA: 80 

REVISION No. DATE OF APPROVAL DATE OF ISSUE 

 

Revision 0 On: December 19, 2008 2008.12.19 

Revision 1 On: February 05, 2009 2009.02.06 

 

 

 
 ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN AS350 

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1. PLANNING INFORMATION 

1.A. EFFECTIVITY 

1.A.1. Helicopters/Installed equipment 

APC starter-generators with part numbers 150SG122Q and 200SGL130Q without “004” marking on their 

name plates. See Figure 1 - DETAIL B. 

1.A.2. Non-installed equipment 

APC starter-generators with part numbers 150SG122Q and 200SGL130Q without “004” marking on their 

name plates. See Figure 1 - DETAIL B. 

1.B. ASSOCIATED REQUIREMENTS 

Not applicable. 

1.C. REASON 

Revision 0: 

To check the centering and tightness of the APC starter-generator damping assembly. 

Revision 0 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN formed the subject of Airworthiness Directive No. 2009-0004. 

Revision 1: 

To improve the APC starter-generator damping assembly adjustment procedure. 

Revision 1 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN will form the subject of an EASA Airworthiness Directive. 

Revision 1 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN affects compliance with Revision 0. 

1.D. DESCRIPTION 

Revision 0: 

EUROCOPTER has received reports of Arriel engine flame-outs in operation. It was found that these engine 

flame-outs were due to the failure of the 41-tooth pinion in the engine accessory gear box. The failure of this 

pinion causes the fuel pump to stop and then results in an engine flame-out. 

The helicopters concerned were all equipped with starter-generators manufactured by the APC Company. 

In each case, it was found that the torque damping system of the starter-generators was inoperative. 
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Investigations have been conducted to assess the efficiency of the damping system of starter-generators 

with part numbers 150SG122Q and 200SGL130Q. 

These investigations have revealed that the non-operation of the torque damping system was due to 

incorrect adjustment of the starter-generator. 

If the damping system is incorrectly adjusted, torque oscillations may not be limited and, according to their 

intensity, can induce bending stress on the 41-tooth pinion of the accessory gear box. This occurrence can 

contribute to the failure of the pinion. 

EUROCOPTER is waiting for the results of additional investigations. 

In any case, in the short term, EUROCOPTER is introducing a check of the tightness of the starter-generator 

damping system in order to return it to conformity, where necessary, with the APC Component Maintenance 

Manual (CMM). 

Even though an engine failure is not qualified as a “condition jeopardizing safety” as regards certification, 

EUROCOPTER renders compliance with the instructions in this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN, mandatory. 

Revision 1: 

Customers have reported some difficulty in complying with Revision 0 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN. 

Following investigations conducted jointly by EUROCOPTER and APC, a new adjustment procedure has 

been defined which is more reliable and optimizes the APC starter-generator damping assembly. 

This new procedure consists in disassembling the damping system and replacing the Belleville springs (cup

springs) and the self-locking nut, and then performing the assembly in accordance with a new adjustment 

method. 

Considering the service experience acquired, the angle measurements imposed by Revision 0 of this ALERT 

SERVICE BULLETIN are deleted from Revision 1. 

APC will send you an update of the Component Maintenance Manual (CMM) very shortly. This ALERT 

SERVICE BULLETIN conforms to the next update of the CMM. 

1.E. COMPLIANCE 

EUROCOPTER renders compliance with this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN, mandatory. 

1.E.1. Compliance at the works 

1.E.1.a. On helicopters: Comply with paragraph 2 before delivery.

1.E.1.b. On non-installed equipment: Comply with paragraphs 2.B.2., 2.B.3. and 2.C. before installation.
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1.E.2. Compliance in operation: By the operator 

1.E.2.a. On helicopters/installed equipment 

On helicopters that have been subject or not to compliance with Revision 0: 

Comply with paragraph 2. of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN no later than within 110 flying hours 

without exceeding 3 months following receipt of Revision 1 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN, issued on 

the date indicated at the foot of the page. 

1.E.2.b. On non-installed equipment 

Before any installation of a starter-generator and in any case before December 31, 2009, comply with 

paragraphs 2.B.2., 2.B.3. and 2.C. 

1.F. APPROVAL 

Approval is limited to civil version helicopters subject to an Airworthiness Certificate. 

The technical information given in Revision 0 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN was approved 

on December 19, 2008 under the authority of EASA Design Organisation Approval No. 21J.056. 

The technical information given in Revision 1 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN was approved 

on February 05, 2009 under the authority of EASA Design Organisation Approval No. 21J.056. 

1.G. MANPOWER 

Qualification: 1 mechanic. 

Time for the operations on a helicopter: 3 hours. 

Time for the operations on non-installed equipment: Half an hour. 

1.H. WEIGHT AND BALANCE 

Not applicable. 

1.I. EFFECT ON ELECTRICAL LOADS 

Not applicable. 

1.J. SOFTWARE MODIFICATION EMBODIMENT STATE 

Not applicable. 
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1.K. REFERENCES 

Maintenance Manual (MET): 

- Work Card 24.00.00.301. 

- Work Card 80.00.00.401. 

Standard Practices Manual (MTC): 

- Work Card 20.02.05.404. 

Component Maintenance Manual (CMM): 

- 80.09.01 and 80.09.98. 

1.L. OTHER DOCUMENTS CONCERNED 

APC will modify the CMM: 80.09.01 and 80.09.98. 

1.M. TOOLING CONCERNED 

Not applicable. 

1.N. INTERCHANGEABILITY AND MIXABILITY OF PARTS 

Not applicable. 
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2. ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS 

2.A. GENERAL 

Comply with the general instructions concerning electrical power as per MET Work Card 24.00.00.301. 

Refer to the general instructions concerning assembly by bolts and nuts as per MTC Work 

Card 20.02.05.404. 

CAUTION 

DO NOT HANDLE THE STARTER-GENERATOR BY ITS 

SPLINED SHAFT. 

2.B. OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE 

2.B.1. Preliminary steps 

Install the access equipment. 

Open the engine cowling. 

Remove the starter-generator as per MET Work Card 80.00.00.401. 

2.B.2. Adjusting the starter-generators (Figures 1 and 2) 

- Remove the fan cover (a). 

- Lay down the starter-generator in the horizontal position on a stable workbench and remove the fan 

nut (c) and Belleville springs (cup springs) (b) or (d). 

- Discard nut (c) and springs (cup springs) (b) or (d).

- Reinstall fan (a) with new Belleville springs (cup springs) (2) or (3) and new nut (1). 

Pay particular attention and refer to Figure 1 in order to have the Belleville springs (cup springs) (2) or (3) 

in the concave position. 

- Make sure that the shaft damping system is correctly aligned, as shown on Figure 2. 

- Tighten nut (1) using a fixed-type ratchet to just contact the Belleville springs (cup springs) (2) or (3). 

- Put the starter-generator in the vertical position, with fan (a) upward (on a support to avoid any stress on 

the shaft). 

- While holding the external part of the fan (a), torque tighten nut (1) to 30 lb.in (3.4 N.m) maximum using a 

calibrated torque wrench (Z). 

- Then loosen nut (1) by half (1/2) of a turn (180°). 

- Then tighten nut (1) by eighth (1/8) of a turn (45°). 

- Fit the fan cover, and reinstall the screws. 

- Secure the fan cover. 
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- Check for radial movement of the splined shaft to verify the damping system is not in a locked position 

(Figure 1 - DETAIL A), and realign the assembly as shown on Figure 2. 

NOTE 1

A locked damping system is indicated by that disk (e) cannot be 

moved with respect to disk (f) when checking for radial 

movement (see Figure 2). 

- Punch-mark “004” on the name plate, as shown on Figure 1 - DETAIL B. 

- Comply with paragraph 2.B.3. 

2.B.3. Final steps 

Install the starter-generator as per MET Work Card 80.00.00.401. 

Close the engine cowling. 

Remove the access equipment. 

2.C. IDENTIFICATION 

Record compliance with Revision 1 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN in the helicopter documents and on 

the starter-generator log card. 

2.D. OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS 

2.D.1. Operating instructions 

Not applicable. 

2.D.2. Maintenance instructions 

Not applicable. 
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 Starter-generator P/N 150SG122Q Starter-generator P/N 200SGL130Q 

 

Figure 1: Assembly of the starter-generators 

004 

DETAIL B 

DETAIL A 

004
 ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN AS350 

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Figure 2: Alignment of the shaft/damper assembly 

Compliant alignment of the shaft/damper assembly 

Non-compliant alignment of the shaft/damper assembly 

f e 
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3. MATERIAL INFORMATION

3.A. MATERIAL: COST - AVAILABILITY 

3.A.1. Cost 

The components will be delivered free of charge on Customer's order until December 31, 2009. 

3.A.2. Availability 

The industrial delivery time will be given by the Sales and Customer Relations Department on the operator’s 

request. 

3.B. INFORMATION CONCERNING INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT 

Not applicable. 

3.C. MATERIAL REQUIRED FOR EACH HELICOPTER/ENGINE/COMPONENT 

3.C.1. Kit(s) or component(s) to be ordered for one helicopter or one assembly 

Not applicable. 

3.C.2. Items to be ordered separately 

3.C.2.a. Items to be ordered for starter-generators P/N 150SG122Q 

Material Part Number Qty Item Key Word 

 

150SG1071 1 1 Nut 

150SG1093 2 2 Belleville spring (cup spring) 

3.C.2.b. Items to be ordered for starter-generators P/N 200SGL130Q 

Material Part Number Qty Item Key Word 

 

150SG1071 1 1 Nut 

200SGL1093 2 3 Belleville spring (cup spring) 

The materials identified by an asterisk "*" or required for compliance with the Tasks and/or Work Cards listed in 

paragraph 1.K., can be ordered from the INTERTURBINE company: 

Website: http://www.itlogistics.de

Phone: +49.41.91.809.300 

AOG: +49.41.91.809.444. 
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3.C.3. Tool(s) 

Material Part Number Qty Item Key Word 

 

Off the shelf 1 Z Torque wrench with +/- 1.0 lb.in 

(0,11 N.m) tolerance (metric system)

3.D. PROCUREMENT CONDITIONS

Order the required quantity (unless otherwise specified) 

from 

EUROCOPTER 

Etablissement de Marignane 

Direction Ventes et Relations Client 

ECR 

13725 MARIGNANE CEDEX 

FRANCE 

NOTE 1

For ALERT SERVICE BULLETINS, order by: 

Telex: HELICOP 410 969F 

Fax: +33 (0)4 42 85 99 96. 

NOTE 2

On the purchase order, please specify the mode of transport, 

the destination and the serial numbers of the helicopters to be 

modified. 

4. APPENDIX 

Not applicable. 

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3.C.3. Tool(s) 

Material Part Number Qty Item Key Word 

 

Off the shelf 1 Z Torque wrench with +/- 1.0 lb.in 

(0,11 N.m) tolerance (metric system)

3.D. PROCUREMENT CONDITIONS

Order the required quantity (unless otherwise specified) 

from 

EUROCOPTER 

Etablissement de Marignane 

Direction Ventes et Relations Client 

ECR 

13725 MARIGNANE CEDEX 

FRANCE 

NOTE 1

For ALERT SERVICE BULLETINS, order by: 

Telex: HELICOP 410 969F 

Fax: +33 (0)4 42 85 99 96. 

NOTE 2

On the purchase order, please specify the mode of transport, 

the destination and the serial numbers of the helicopters to be 

modified. 

4. APPENDIX 

Not applicable.