Fuselage — Main Gearbox Suspension Bar Attachment Plates — Inspection / Measurement
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2023-0049
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of SA 330 J helicopters must perform the required inspections and measurements within 50 flight hours after 25 April 2023, the effective date of this AD. For AS 332 C, C1, L, and L1 helicopters, the same actions must be completed within 50 flight hours after 21 March 2023. If any discrepancies are found during inspection or measurement, corrective actions approved by Airbus Helicopters must be implemented before the next flight. Compliance with Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletins SA330-53.56 and AS332-53.02.15 is mandatory.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0076 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters SA 330 J and AS 332 C, C1, L, and L1 models. It mandates inspection and measurement of the main gearbox suspension bar attachment plates to detect incorrect installation of parts originally designed for other helicopter models. The directive aims to prevent potential structural damage and failure of load-carrying elements in the fuselage.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0076 supersedes AD 2023-0049 and expands its applicability to include SA 330 J helicopters in addition to AS 332 models. It retains the original inspection and measurement requirements but adds new inspection instructions for the SA 330 J model based on updated findings from Airbus Helicopters. This AD also clarifies that affected attachment plates can only be installed during D-level maintenance by authorized Airbus Helicopters staff.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk caused by incorrect installation of main gearbox suspension bar attachment plates, which could lead to structural failure. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to avoid potential in-flight failures and maintain airworthiness. The directive also provides clear guidance on inspection procedures and corrective actions, helping compliance teams manage regulatory requirements effectively.
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