Proposed Airworthiness Directive: Airbus Helicopters AS332 Series Cabin Door Jettison System Modification

The FAA is proposing to supersede two existing Airworthiness Directives (AD 2019-09-03 and AD 2021-05-15) that apply to Airbus Helicopters models AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1. These earlier directives required one-time and repetitive inspections of the cabin door jettisoning mechanisms to address identified unsafe conditions related to emergency egress functionality. Since AD 2021-05-15 was issued, Airbus Helicopters developed a new prerequisite modification applicable to certain helicopters, determined that improved modification instructions were necessary for proper installation of the cabin lateral sliding plug door release system, and concluded that the compliance timeline could be extended for affected operators. This proposed AD would require operators to either modify the release system of each cabin lateral sliding plug door or modify the design of the jettison system of each cabin lateral sliding plug door. Successfully completing either modification would serve as a terminating action, eliminating the need for ongoing repetitive inspections currently mandated under AD 2021-05-15. The FAA is proposing this directive to address the unsafe condition on these products, ensuring that cabin doors can be reliably jettisoned during emergencies, which is critical for occupant safety during water or crash landings.

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