Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22839 · Fuselage main, frame
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and SA330J helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and SA330J helicopters. This AD was prompted by the installation of unapproved main gearbox (MGB) forward and rear suspension bar attachment plates. This AD requires inspecting or measuring the MGB forward and rear suspension bar attachment plates and, depending on the results, taking corrective action, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. 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 European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0076, dated April 11, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0076).
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0076 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2023-0076 refers to its effective date and March 21, 2023 (the effective date of EASA AD 2023-0049, dated March 7, 2023), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0076 specifies contacting AH [Airbus Helicopters] for approved corrective action instructions and within the compliance time indicated therein, accomplishing those instructions accordingly and, where the material referenced in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0076 specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters to get an approved repair, this AD requires, before further flight, corrective action 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.
(4) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2023-0049.
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0076 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.
