Fuselage — Main Gearbox Suspension Bar Fittings and Screws — Life Limit / Replacement / Modification
- Published
- Effective
- Replaces
- 2018-0260
- Replaces
- 2023-0194
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected AS 332 helicopter models must determine the accumulated flight hours on the specified main gearbox suspension bar fittings and screws within 50 flight hours after 17 December 2018 if not already done. They must replace or inspect parts according to the new compliance schedules and instructions in the Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletins referenced in the AD. The modification, if applicable, should be completed within the revised extended compliance time to terminate repetitive inspections.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0194R1 is an updated regulatory requirement addressing the life limits, replacement, and modification of main gearbox suspension bar fittings and screws on Airbus Helicopters AS 332 C, C1, L, and L1 models. The directive focuses on specific part numbers related to the right and left hand rear attachment fittings and front attachment fitting screws of the main gearbox suspension bars. It mandates inspections, service life determinations, and replacement or modification actions to ensure continued airworthiness.
What changed
This revision of EASA AD 2023-0194 extends the compliance time for the required modification of the main gearbox suspension bar fittings and screws, removing the previous flight hour limit and extending the calendar compliance time. It also reflects the suspension of delivery for modification kits due to installation difficulties and updates inspection and replacement intervals accordingly. The AD remains an interim action with potential for further updates.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential safety risk involving loss of tightening torque on key suspension bar fittings, which could lead to structural failure and loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent in-flight failures and ensure regulatory conformity. The updated compliance times provide more flexibility while maintaining safety standards.
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 Airbus Helicopters SA 330, Helicopters AS 332 and Helicopters EC 225, summarized like this page, every Monday.