Time Limits / Maintenance Checks – Main Gearbox Suspension Bar Pins / Fittings – Re-calculation of Life Limits / Replacement / Modification
Superseded. Comply with 2023-0147R2, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2017-0189
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected AS 332 L2 and EC 225 LP helicopters must recalculate the life of affected pins and fittings within 30 flight hours after 3 August 2017 and apply an add-on factor thereafter. Replacement of parts must occur before exceeding the recalculated service life limits. Helicopters must be modified within 825 flight hours or within the specified calendar compliance times (27 months for AS 332 L2 and 40 months for EC 225 LP) following the directive's effective date of 15 February 2022. Installation of pre-modification pins is prohibited on modified helicopters.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0021 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters AS 332 L2 and EC 225 LP models. It addresses the recalculation of life limits, replacement, and modification requirements for main gearbox suspension bar pins, fittings, and related plates. The directive ensures continued airworthiness by mandating updated maintenance and inspection procedures for these critical components.
What changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2017-0189 and introduces requirements for recalculating the service life of affected pins and fittings with an add-on penalty factor. It mandates replacement of parts before exceeding revised life limits and requires modification of helicopters to incorporate design improvements through specific service bulletins. Additionally, it prohibits installation of pre-modification pins on Group 2 helicopters and introduces new tightening torque checks for improved pins.
Why it matters
The directive is crucial for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential unsafe condition that could lead to structural failure of main gearbox suspension bar components. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure flight safety and regulatory conformity. The updated life limits and modification requirements impact maintenance planning, part replacement schedules, and inspection routines, thereby affecting operational reliability and safety.
More for Airbus Helicopters SA 330
All 116- EASA AD 2021-0139R2Doors – Cabin Lateral Sliding Plug Door Emergency Jettisoning System – Inspection / ModificationOct 2, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0166Fuselage – Splice of Frame X5295 – InspectionAug 19, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0148Electrical Power – Direct Current Electrical Master Box – InspectionJul 28, 2026
- EASA AD 2023-0148R1Main Rotor Drive – Main Gearbox – Replacement; Placards and Markings – ENG1 Training Idle Switch – Installation / Operational RestrictionJul 24, 2026
Get the next one by email
New ADs and bulletins for these 5 aircraft types, summarized like this page, every Monday.