Federal Aviation Administration May 23, 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (Eurocopter) Model EC135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters to require inspecting each linear transducer bearing (bearing) for freedom of movement. This proposed AD would also require replacing the bearing if there is binding or rough turning or if there is chafing or damage on the lower side of the floor. Also, this proposed AD would require modifying and re-identifying a certain rod. This proposed AD is prompted by an incident involving limited control of a tail rotor because of the binding of a bearing. The proposed actions are intended to detect and replace each bearing subject to binding, which could lead to subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Hamilton Standard Division model 6/5500/F and 24PF and Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation model 14RF, 14SF, 247F, and 568F series propellers. This proposed AD was prompted by the amount of corrosion detected during major inspections (MIs). This proposed AD would require incorporating inspections, based on a calendar time, into the propeller maintenance schedule. We are proposing this AD to prevent corrosion that could result in propeller failure and loss of airplane control.