Helicopter - FAA gives thumbs up for EC225 - AIN

FAA Clears Super Pumas for Return to Service

The U.S. FAA cleared the Airbus Helicopters Super Puma (H225s and AS332 L2s) for return to service via an alternate means of compliance (AMOC). The FAA grounded the helicopters in June (emergency airworthiness directive 2016-12-51) following the crash of an EC225LP in which the main rotor hub (MRH) detached from the main gearbox (MGB). EASA in October had lifted its own flight ban on the helicopters through an AD that mandated an increased inspection regime and replacement of the second stage planet gear in the main gear box. Compliance with the October EASA AD and the FAA AMOC clears the helicopter for return to service in those jurisdictions and those that recognize its rulemaking. Approximately five Super Pumas are on the FAA registry. However, aviation authorities in the UK and Norway continue to impose a flight ban pending the results of the investigation of the fatal April 2016 accident near Turoy, Norway, that killed all 13 on board a CHC EC225 LP being operated for Statoil. The accident led to a worldwide grounding of the type in June. North Sea energy company Statoil announced earlier this year that it will no longer allow its workers to be transported in Super Pumas under any circumstances.