An EASA notice of proposed amendment aims to improve the ability to integrate the use of vibration health monitoring (VHM) systems for the rotor and rotor drive components in Part 29 large helicopters. According to EASA, current acceptable means of compliance requirements are not sufficient to ensure that VHM systems can be used to optimize alerts when maintenance is required on those components.
The amendments will ensure that updated guidance is provided for the design, as well as the routine and effective in-service use of VHM systems, to aid in reducing the risk for errors or oversights in the maintenance of rotor and rotor drive units. An associated acceptable means of compliance for large helicopters would be adopted to clarify the means for meeting the certification rules for VHM applications.
With this proposal, EASA addresses a safety recommendation for more robust alerting devices related to the investigation of a Dec. 28, 2016, nonfatal accident involving a Sikorsky S-92A that lost tail rotor control while landing on a wellhead platform in the North Sea. Comments on the proposal are due by August 11.