Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-23200 · Aircraft fuel filter/strainer
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS 332L1, AS 332L2, and EC 225LP helicopters, certificated in any category, with fuel filter part number 4020P25-5 or 704A44620049 installed and with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued before February 15, 2024.
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-10- 13, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS 332L1, AS 332L2, and EC 225LP helicopters. AD 2024-10-13 required visually inspecting the bowls of the left-hand (LH) and right- hand (RH) fuel filters for any cracks and seepage. Depending on the inspection results, AD 2024-10-13 required removing an affected fuel filter from service and replacing that part. AD 2024-10-13 also allowed a certain fuel filter to be installed on any helicopter if certain actions are accomplished. Since the FAA issued AD 2024-10-13, additional inspection criteria were developed. This AD requires the same actions as AD 2024-10-13 but removes some helicopters from the applicability, adds an inspection of the inner surface of the fuel filter bowls, and revises the tightening torque. 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 2024-0045, dated February 16, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0045).
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0045 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2024-0045 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0045 states “any discrepancy, as defined in the ASB”, for this AD replace that text with “any crack or seepage”.
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0045 specifies “replace the affected part with a serviceable part in accordance with the instructions of the applicable ASB”, this AD requires replacing that text with “remove the affected part from service and replace it with a serviceable part”.
(5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0045 uses the term “check”, this AD requires replacing that term with “inspection”.
(6) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0045 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service.
(7) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0045 specifies actions for non-installed equipment or parts, this AD does not require those actions.
(8) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2024-0045.
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0045 specifies to submit certain information and return parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not require those actions.
