Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-23284 · Helicopter vibration analysis
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters, certificated in any category, equipped with a dual hoist installation and de-icing system.
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-09-15 which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters. AD 2020-09-15 required removing the removable parts of the dual hoist installation or removing the de-icing system and allows, for certain helicopters, revising the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for the helicopter and installing a placard as an optional method of compliance. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-09-15, analysis revealed that additional vibration level measurements are necessary. This AD retains all the requirements of AD 2020-09-15 and requires for certain helicopters repetitively measuring vibration levels in-flight, and depending on the results, performing corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
(1) For helicopters without Airbus Helicopters modification 0722907 installed, within 7 days after May 20, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-09-15): Remove the removable parts of the dual hoist installation or remove the de-icing system in accordance with the instructions of section 3.B of Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) AS332 01.00.91, Revision 1, dated December 4, 2019 (EASB AS332 01.00.91 Rev 1), or Section 3.B.2 of Airbus Helicopters EASB AS332 01.00.96, Revision 0, dated December 4, 2019 (EASB AS332 01.00.96), as applicable to the helicopter, except you are not required to contact Airbus Helicopters.
(2) For helicopters with Airbus Helicopters modification 0722907 installed, within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 30 days whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD and thereafter, during the first flight after each time any of the maintenance tasks identified in the COMPLIANCE: MANDATORY section of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB AS332-04-00-0001, Issue 002, dated December 4, 2024 (ASB AS332-04-00-0001) is accomplished, perform a vibration level measurement in accordance with paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
(i) With the accelerometer already installed, check the measurement of the vibration level in-flight, at 12 Hz by following figure 1 to paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD. The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may perform this check and must enter compliance with these paragraphs into the helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(ii) Interpret the results in accordance with the instructions in Section 4.4 of ASB AS332-04-00-0001 except you are not required to send any information to Airbus Helicopters. If the vibration level between 11.7 Hz and 12.7 Hz is more than 0.08g (0.40 IPS), before further flight, revise the helicopter configuration by removing the dual hoist system or removing the blade de-icing harnesses in accordance with instructions of section 4.5 through 4.5.2.1 of ASB AS332-04-00-0001.
For helicopters without Airbus Helicopters modification 0722907 installed: Revising the rotorcraft flight manual for your helicopter by inserting the information specified in Appendix 4A, 4B, or 4C of EASB AS332 01.00.96, as applicable to your helicopter model and configuration, and installing a locally made placard on the instrument panel, in accordance with the instructions of section 3.B.1 of EASB AS332 01.00.96, is an acceptable method for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
