Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21468 · Main rotor gear box
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L, AS332L1, AS332C, and AS332C1 helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L, AS332L1, AS332C, and AS332C1 helicopters. This AD was prompted by the failure of a second stage planet gear installed in the main gearbox (MGB). This AD requires identifying the part number of each second stage planet gear assembly installed in the MGB, replacing an MGB having certain second stage planet gear assembly part numbers with a serviceable MGB, modifying the helicopter by installing a full flow magnetic plug (FFMP), repetitively inspecting the FFMP and the MGB bottom housing and conical housing for metal particles, analyzing any metal particles that are found, and applying corrective actions if necessary, as specified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ADs, which are incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0022R1, dated September 18, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0022R1); or EASA AD 2020-0022R2, dated December 23, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0022R2).
(1) Where EASA ADs 2020-0022R1 and 2020-0022R2 refer to March 30, 2018 (the effective date of EASA AD 2018-0066, dated March 23, 2018) or February 21, 2020 (the effective date of EASA AD 2020-0022, dated February 7, 2020), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The “Remarks” sections of EASA ADs 2020-0022R1 and 2020-0022R2 do not apply to this AD.
(3) Where EASA ADs 2020-0022R1 and 2020-0022R2 refer to flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(4) Where the service information referred to in paragraphs (5) and (6) of EASA ADs 2020-0022R1 and 2020-0022R2 specifies to perform a metallurgical analysis and contact the manufacturer if unsure about the characterization of the particles collected, this AD does not require contacting the manufacturer to determine the characterization of the particles collected.
(5) Although the service information referred to in paragraph (6) of EASA ADs 2020-0022R1 and 2020-0022R2 specifies that if any 16NCD13 particles are found send a 1-liter sample of oil to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.
(6) Although the service information referenced in EASA ADs 2020-0022R1 and 2020-0022R2 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD does not include that requirement.
(7) Although the service information referenced in EASA ADs 2020-0022R1 and 2020-0022R2 specifies returning certain parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.
(8) Although the service information referenced in EASA ADs 2020-0022R1 and 2020-0022R2 specifies to contact the manufacturer if certain specified criteria are exceeded, this AD does not include that requirement.
(9) Although the service information referenced in EASA ADs 2020-0022R1 and 2020-0022R2 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
(10) Although the service information referenced in EASA ADs 2020-0022R1 and 2020-0022R2 specifies to watch a video for removing the grease from the full flow magnetic plug (FFMP), using a cleaning agent, and collecting particles, this AD does not include that requirement.
(11) Where EASA ADs 2020-0022R1 and 2020-0022R2 require actions after the last flight of the day or “ALF,” this AD requires those actions before the first flight of the day.
