Fuselage – Main Gearbox Suspension Bar Attachment Plates – Inspection /; Measurement
Superseded. Comply with 2023-0076, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
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 the required inspection and measurement of the main gearbox suspension bar attachment plates within 50 flight hours from 21 March 2023. If any discrepancies are found, they must contact Airbus Helicopters for corrective instructions and complete the repairs before the next flight. Compliance with Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS332-53.02.15 is mandatory.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0049 is an airworthiness directive issued for Airbus Helicopters AS 332 C, C1, L, and L1 models. It mandates inspection and measurement of the main gearbox suspension bar attachment plates to ensure correct installation and structural integrity. The directive addresses potential unsafe conditions caused by incorrect installation of attachment plates originally designed for other helicopter models.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a one-time inspection and measurement requirement for the main gearbox rear and front suspension bar attachment plates on affected AS 332 helicopters. It requires operators to identify any discrepancies and, if found, to contact Airbus Helicopters for approved corrective actions before further flight. The directive also clarifies that these attachment plates can only be installed during D-level maintenance by Airbus Helicopters staff.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because incorrect installation of suspension bar attachment plates can lead to structural damage or failure of load-carrying elements, posing a safety risk. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and avoid potential in-service failures. Compliance helps prevent costly repairs and ensures continued safe operation of the affected helicopter fleet.
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 7 aircraft types, summarized like this page, every Monday.