Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2009L01557:body:0:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2009L01557
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 2961–5950

accordance with paragraph 2.B.3.a.

                     b) If the clearance is equal to or more than 3 mm return the helicopter to flight configuration.

                     c) If the clearance is less than 3 mm and the helicopter has not embodied modification 073175, accomplish the instructions of paragraph 2.B.3.b.

                     d) If the clearance is less than 3 mm and the helicopter has already embodied modification 073175, suspend flights, contact EUROCOPTER for instructions and follow their corrective actions.

                   3. Repeat the clearance measurement detailed in Requirement 1 or 2 of this AD, depending on the helicopter configuration.

                Ferry Flights

                If a flight is necessary to ferry the helicopter to a repair station or a place where the maintenance can be performed in order to comply with Requirements 1 or 2 of this AD, the flight is permitted with no passenger on board.

                Note 2:  EASA AD 2009-0019 dated 3 February 2009 refers.  This AD supersedes EASA AD 2008-0205-E.
Compliance:     For Requirements 1 and 2 - Remains unchanged as detailed in the original issue of this AD as: After the last flight of the day from 5 December 2008 (the effective date of the original issue of this AD).

                For Requirement 3 - At each time the collective pitch lever, the locking stud or the locking pitch are replaced; and

                each time the locking strip setting is readjusted; and

                at intervals not exceeding 660 flight hours or 2 years, whichever occurs first.
                This Amendment becomes effective on 7 May 2009.
Background:     EUROCOPTER has developed modification 073237 which prevents wear of the locking stud and thus precludes the risk of untimely unlocking of the collective pitch lever during the engine starting phase.

                This modification has introduced a new locking stud which is longer than the previous one.

   As a result, the clearance between the locking stud and the locking strip is reduced and in some cases it proves to be insufficient when the collective pitch lever is positioned on the "low pitch" stop.

   In fact, on a helicopter during an autorotation test in flight, it was found that the collective pitch lever rubbed against the locking strip in the "low pitch" position (low position).  This rubbing is due to insufficient clearance and could result in untimely locking of the collective pitch lever and consequent loss of control of the helicopter.

   To preclude the risk of untimely locking, this AD required an inspection to verify the presence of the required minimum clearance between the end of the locking stud and the locking strip and provides a repair solution in case the clearance is insufficient.  This was extended as a precautionary measure also to helicopters with locking system configuration prior to modification 073237.

   Amendment 1requires repeat inspections to be