AD NUMBER: 2003-21-09R1
MANUFACTURER: Eurocopter France
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2003-21-09R1
SUMMARY: This amendment revises an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (ECF) Model AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters that currently requires certain checks of the magnetic chip detector plug (chip detector) and the main gearbox (MGB) oil-sight glass, certain inspections of the lubrication pump (pump), and replacing the MGB and the pump with an airworthy MGB and pump, if necessary. Also, the AD requires that before an MGB or pump with any hours time-in-service (TIS) can be installed, it must meet the AD requirements. This amendment retains those requirements but limits the applicability to one part number with certain serial-numbered pumps or modified after a certain date. This amendment is prompted by an investigation by the manufacturer that revealed a malfunction occurred after modifying the pump case on certain pumps after major overhaul and repairs. The actions specified by this AD are intended to limit the applicability to certain pumps, to detect sludge on the chip detector, to prevent failure of the MGB pump, seizure of the MGB, loss of drive to an engine and main rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

FMI: www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/airworthiness_directives/