Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-09-14, which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters (Airbus) Model SA330J helicopters. AD 2021-09-14 requires repetitively inspecting for a gap between the main gearbox (MGB) oil cooling fan assembly (fan) rotor blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing housing, installing improved MGB fan rotor shaft bearings, and repetitively inspecting the improved MGB fan rotor shaft bearings. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-09-14, Airbus has developed modifications to the components of the MGB fan bearing assembly and issued new material regarding these modifications. This proposed AD would retain the actions required by AD 2021-09-14 and would also require installing the improved MGB fan rotor bearing assembly, which would constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections. These actions are specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.