Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD 2020-0022R2

Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — Main Gear Box / Particle Detectors — Inspection; Main Rotor Drive — Planet Gear Assemblies — Replacement / Modification

Published: Dec 23, 2020
Effective: Dec 30, 2020
Deadline: Apr 21, 2021
Replaces: 2018-0066
Replaces: 2020-0022R1

AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.

What to do

Operators of Airbus Helicopters AS 332 L, L1, C, and C1 must identify and replace affected Type A planet gears within 50 flight hours after 30 March 2018 if not already done. Group 1 helicopters must install the FFMP device within 300 flight hours or 14 months after 21 February 2020. Repetitive inspections of particle detectors and FFMPs must be conducted every 10 flight hours or at each after-last-flight check as applicable. Any detected particles exceeding limits require immediate analysis and corrective action before further flight.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0022R2 is an updated regulatory requirement affecting Airbus Helicopters AS 332 L, L1, C, and C1 models. It addresses inspection, replacement, and modification requirements related to the main gearbox (MGB) planet gear assemblies and particle detectors to mitigate risks associated with gear spalling and cracking. The directive mandates specific inspections and installation of a Full Flow Magnetic Plug (FFMP) device to enhance safety and continued airworthiness.

What changed

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0022R2 revises the previous AD 2020-0022R1 by extending the compliance time for installing the FFMP device on affected helicopters. It retains the requirements for identifying and replacing Type A second stage planet gears and mandates repetitive inspections of particle detectors and FFMPs. This revision follows a reassessment of risk by Airbus Helicopters and updates inspection intervals and compliance timelines accordingly.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it ensures the detection and prevention of failures in the main gearbox planet gear assemblies, which could lead to catastrophic helicopter failures. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to maintain aircraft airworthiness and safety, avoiding unplanned downtime and potential accidents. Compliance teams must track inspection intervals and modification statuses to meet regulatory requirements and avoid grounding of aircraft.

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