Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21511 · Main rotor gearbox
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L2 helicopters with main gearbox (MGB) part number (P/N) 332A323001.XX with a main reduction gear module (module) P/N 332A323011.XX that has free wheel shaft P/N 332A322191.20 installed, where “XX” stands for any two digit dash number, certificated in any category.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Free wheel shaft P/N 332A322191.20 is also referred to as modification 07-53016.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by the discovery of a main gearbox (MGB) with worn ramps and broken roller cages. This AD requires installing a placard on the pilot instrument panel and replacing certain MGBs. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
(1) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, install a placard on the instrument panel prohibiting use of the ENG1 “TRAINING IDLE” switch in accordance with Figure 3 of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS332-01.00.95, Revision 1, dated July 29, 2020.
(2) Replace the MGB with an airworthy MGB at the following compliance time:
(i) If the free wheel shaft has accumulated less than 950 total hours TIS, before the free wheel shaft accumulates 1,000 total hours TIS; or
(ii) If the free wheel shaft has accumulated 950 or more total hours TIS, within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD.
(3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a right free wheel shaft P/N 332A322191.20 on any helicopter unless the free wheel shaft has accumulated less than 1,000 total hours TIS.
(4) If you replace the MGB with a MGB that does not have free wheel shaft P/N 332A322191.20 installed, you may remove the placard required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
