Airbus Helicopters Mandated for Safer Fan Bearing Upgrades
Published Date: 5/7/2025
Rule
Summary
If you fly certain Airbus SA330J helicopters, this new rule updates old safety checks on the main gearbox fan parts. You’ll still inspect parts regularly but now must install an improved fan bearing assembly that stops the need for constant checks. These changes keep your helicopter safe and could save time and money by ending repetitive inspections.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Must install improved MGB fan bearing
If you operate certain Airbus Model SA330J helicopters, the FAA now requires installing an improved main gearbox (MGB) fan rotor bearing assembly. The rule supersedes AD 2021-09-14 and says that installing this improved bearing assembly is the action that stops (terminates) the repetitive inspections.
Repetitive inspections remain until upgrade
The rule keeps the previous AD 2021-09-14 requirements that you must keep doing repetitive inspections of the MGB oil cooling fan assembly and related bearings until you install the improved bearing assembly. You must continue those inspections as required by the existing AD until the terminating installation is completed.
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Key Dates
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