Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21297 · Fuselage main, attach fittings
Airbus Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2022-08-01. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the affected parts and associated frame bores for discrepancies, applicable corrective actions, and reporting certain information if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on attachment screws and fittings fastening the main gearbox (MGB) suspension bars to the fuselage. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.
You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time.
Affected parts are attachment screws and fitting(s) fastening the parts identified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD.
(1) Rear MGB suspension bars, right and left sides, to the fuselage.
(2) Front MGB suspension bar to the fuselage.
Except as specified in paragraphs (j)(1) through (3) of this AD: Within the applicable compliance times identified in paragraph (h)(1) or (2) of this AD, inspect each affected part and its frame bores for discrepancies, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Section 3.B.2, of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) AS332-53.02.05, Revision 1, dated March 2, 2020; or Airbus Helicopters ASB AS332-53.02.07, Revision 0, dated October 21, 2019, as applicable. For the purposes of this inspection, a discrepancy may be indicated by corrosion on the MGB attachment fitting or by sealing compound on the attachment screws.
(1) Table 1 or 2, as applicable, of Section 1.E.2, “Compliance in service,” of Airbus Helicopters ASB AS332-53.02.05, Revision 1, dated March 2, 2020.
(2) Table 1 of Section 1.E.2, “Compliance in service,” of Airbus Helicopters ASB AS332-53.02.07, dated October 21, 2019.
Except as required by paragraph (j)(4) of this AD: If, during the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, there is any discrepancy, before further flight, do the applicable corrective action (including replacing or repairing corroded parts and replacing screws that have sealing compound on them), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Section 3.B.2, of Airbus Helicopters ASB AS332-53.02.05, Revision 1, dated March 2, 2020; or ASB AS332-53.02.07, Revision 0, dated October 21, 2019, as applicable.
(1) Where Airbus Helicopters ASB AS332-53.02.05, Revision 1, dated March 2, 2020, uses the phrase “Revision 0 of this ASB issued on April 18, 2019,” this AD requires using “the effective date of this AD.”
(2) Where Airbus Helicopters ASB AS332-53.02.07, Revision 0, dated October 21, 2019, uses the phrase “receipt of this ASB,” this AD requires using “the effective date of this AD.”
(3) Where Airbus Helicopters ASB AS332-53.02.05, Revision 1, dated March 2, 2020; and ASB AS332-53.02.07, Revision 0, dated October 21, 2019, specify discarding parts, you are not required to discard parts.
(4) Where Airbus Helicopters ASB AS332-53.02.05, Revision 1, dated March 2, 2020; and ASB AS332-53.02.07, Revision 0, dated October 21, 2019, specify contacting Airbus Helicopters for repair instructions: This AD requires repair using a method approved by the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA. The Manager's approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.
If, during the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, there is any discrepancy, report the inspection results to Airbus Helicopters at the applicable time specified in paragraph (k)(1) or (2) of this AD. The report should include the information specified in Appendix 4.A. of Airbus Helicopters ASB AS332-53.02.05, Revision 1, dated March 2, 2020; or ASB AS332-53.02.07, Revision 0, dated October 21, 2019, as applicable.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
