Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22572 · Main rotor mast/swashplate
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and SA330J helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and SA330J helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of three newly supplied main rotor swashplate bushing retaining plates with oversized internal diameters. This AD requires accomplishing a one-time inspection to measure the internal diameter of affected bushing retaining plates and depending on the results, accomplishing an additional inspection, replacing non-conforming bushing retaining plates, or accomplishing additional corrective action, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA previously sent this AD as an emergency AD to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2023-0174-E.
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0174-E refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0174-E states, “before next flight,” for this AD, replace that text with, “within two calendar days.”
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0174-E specifies inspecting the scissor attachment ball joint seating without a compliance time, this AD requires that action before further flight.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0174-E specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service.
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0174-E specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters if at least one internal diameter of the three bushing retaining plates is more than 33 mm (1.3 in), this AD does not require that action.
(6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0174-E specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters to get a repair solution and paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2023-0174-E requires contacting AH [Airbus Helicopters] for approved repair instructions and accomplishing those instructions accordingly if a scissor attachment ball joint is not properly seated, this AD requires repair done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(7) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2023-0174-E.
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0174-E specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
