AD 2018-05-09

final rule
Data completeness: 70%

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AD Number
2018-05-09
Status
final_rule
Effective Date
Product Category
aircraft
Docket
Docket No. FAA-2018-0177
FR Citation
83 FR 10360

Applicability

TypeManufacturerModelDetails
aircraft Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

Unsafe Condition

Damage to the hinge on a T/R blade was reported and an investigation is ongoing to determine the root cause of the damage. This condition could lead to failure of the hinge, unbalance of the T/R, and detachment of the T/R gearbox and hub with subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

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Required Actions

Performing a tactile inspection of each hinge for friction points, measuring for play in the drag plane, measuring the tightening torque of each spindle bolt. If the tightening torque is not within the minimum and maximum torque, dye-penetrant inspecting the spindle bolt for a crack and removing the spindle bolt and hexagonal castellated nut from service. If the tightening torque is within the minimum and maximum torque, inspecting the spindle bolt for corrosion and fretting. Inspecting the bearing race inner ring and bearing needles for spalling and replacing the bearing race if there is any spalling. Measuring the thickness of each stop washer and removing the stop washer from service if the thickness is less than 1.5 mm (.060 inch). Inspecting the inner ring for brinelling. If there is brinelling deeper than 0.1 mm (.004 inch), repairing the hinge. If there is brinelling 0.1 mm (.004 inch) or less, dye-penetrant inspecting the inner ring for a crack.

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Compliance Time

Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS)

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Affected Aircraft

Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters.

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Source: Official FAA Source ↗

Retrieved: Apr 6, 2026

Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain

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