Fuselage — Main Gearbox Suspension Bar Attachment Fittings and Screws — Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2019-0295
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Airbus Helicopters AS 332 C, C1, L, and L1 must perform inspections of the affected attachment fittings and screws within the compliance times specified in the applicable Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletins. Inspections must be repeated at intervals not exceeding those defined in the service bulletins. Any discrepancies found must be corrected before the next flight, and inspection results must be reported to Airbus Helicopters within 30 days of detection.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0222 is an airworthiness directive addressing Airbus Helicopters AS 332 C, C1, L, and L1 models. It mandates inspections of the main gearbox suspension bar attachment fittings and screws on the fuselage to detect corrosion and prevent potential structural failure. This directive applies to all manufacturer serial numbers of the specified helicopter models.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0222 supersedes AD 2019-0295 and introduces requirements for repetitive inspections of the affected parts rather than a one-time inspection. It incorporates updated Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletins with revised inspection instructions and compliance timelines. The directive also retains corrective actions and reporting requirements for detected discrepancies.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent structural failure of the main gearbox suspension bar attachment screws, which could lead to detachment of suspension bars and loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure ongoing compliance with inspection intervals to maintain aircraft airworthiness and safety. Compliance helps mitigate corrosion risks identified in previous maintenance practices and supports regulatory adherence.
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