Alert Service Bulletin: Emergency

EMERGENCY
ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN

PROTECTIVE MEASURE
TIME LIMITS - MAINTENANCE CHECKS

Rear structure - Check of the rear frame reinforcement angles
ATA: 53
For the attention of
AIRCRAFT Version(s)
NUMBER
CONCERNED Civil Military
AS350 05.00.70 B, BA, BB, B1, B2, B3, D L1
AS355 05.00.62 E, F, F1, F2, N, NP
AS550 05.00.45 A2, C2, C3, U2
AS555 05.00.41 AF, AN, SN, UF, UN
Revision No. Date of issue
Revision 0 2014-03-24
Revision 1 2020-07-27
Revision 2 2021-11-24
Revision 3 2022-03-18
Summary:
The purpose of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN is to visually ensure that there are no cracks on the reinforcement
angles of the tail boom / rear structure junction frame on helicopters with at least one RH reinforcement angle.
Reason for last Revision:
The function of revision 3 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN is to update the effectivity of the paragraph 1.A.1.
for AS355 helicopters version NP.
Therefore paragraph 1.E.2. has also been updated for the AS355 NP version.
Compliance:
It is mandatory to comply with this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN.
Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 1/13

Revision 3 2022-03-18 This document is available on the internet: www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub/
1. PLANNING INFORMATION
1.A. EFFECTIVITY
1.A.1. Helicopters/installed equipment
a) For all versions, except the AS355 NP version:

Helicopters fitted with a rear structure / tail boom junction frame, repaired or reinforced with at least one
reinforcement angle on the RH side as per MRM Work Card 53.10.22.772 or AMM Task 53-31-00,8-5 or
which embody MOD 073215 and:
- PRE MOD 073232 (Machined Rear Structure Frame),
- PRE MOD 074766 (Cargo compartment / Tailboom junction frame).
NOTE 1
Helicopters which embody MOD 073232 are not concerned

by the instructions of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN.
The purpose of MOD 073232 is to produce a new machined
frame.
NOTE 2
The purpose of MOD 073215 is to reinforce the rear

structure / tail boom junction frame on new helicopters by
installing 4 reinforcement angles.
NOTE 3
This MOD 074766 is effective through the Service Bulletins

No. 53.00.58 (AS350), No. 53.00.34 (AS355),
No. 53.00.22 (AS550) and No. 53.00.20 (AS555)
(Replacement upgrade of aft junction frame for tail boom
connection).
CAUTION
HELICOPTERS FITTED WITH AT LEAST ONE

REINFORCEMENT ANGLE ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE
OF THE FRAME ARE NO LONGER SUBJECT TO
COMPLIANCE WITH ASB No. 05.00.43 FOR AS350,
No. 05.00.21 FOR AS550, No. 05.00.42 FOR AS355 AND
No. 05.00.22 FOR AS555 BUT ARE NOW SUBJECT TO
COMPLIANCE WITH THIS ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN.
CAUTION
HELICOPTERS WHICH HAVE NO REINFORCEMENT

ANGLE(S) ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE FRAME
REMAIN SUBJECT TO COMPLIANCE WITH ASB
No. 05.00.43 FOR AS350, No. 05.00.21 FOR AS550,
No. 05.00.42 FOR AS355 AND No. 05.00.22 FOR AS555
AND ARE NOT SUBJECT TO COMPLIANCE WITH THIS
ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN.
Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 2/13

CAUTION
IN THE CASE THAT THE RIC AMS SPECIFIES THE MOD

073232 AND THE MOD 073215, DO NOT COMPLY WITH
THE MOD 073215 BECAUSE IT IS SUPERSEDED BY THE
MOD 073232.
b) For the AS355 NP version:
Helicopters whose S/N are listed below:
5747, 5749, 5750, 5751, 5752, 5753, 5754, 5755, 5756, 5757, 5758, 5759, 5760, 5761, 5762, 5763,
5764, 5765, 5766.
And,
PRE MOD 074766 (Cargo compartment / Tailboom junction frame). (See NOTE 3).
NOTE 4
Helicopters whose S/N are not listed above are not

concerned by the directives of this
1.A.2. Non-installed equipment
Not applicable.
1.B. ASSOCIATED REQUIREMENTS
Not applicable.
Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 3/13

1.C. REASON
Revision 0:
SIN 2463-S-53, issued in June 2012, informed you of a case of cracks on the upper RH side reinforcement
angle of the rear structure / tail boom junction frame, discovered during an unscheduled inspection.
Investigations revealed that the origin of the cracks was that the reinforcement angle attachment holes were
not de-burred following compliance at the customer's premises with MRM Work Card 53.10.22.772 or AMM
Task 53-31-00,8-5.
Following further cases of cracks, analyses have revealed that the cracks initiate on the non-visible surface
of the angle (surface in contact with the frame).
To date, all the cases of cracks have been encountered on "non compliant" installations (presence of burrs).
For this reason, and because the propagation of these cracks can, in time, lead to failure of the tail boom
connection and affect the integrity of the helicopter structure, Airbus Helicopters makes compliance with the
instructions in this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN mandatory.
Helicopters which embody MOD 073232 (creation of a new machined frame) are not concerned by the
instructions of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN.
Airbus Helicopters is currently studying a solution that will improve this attachment and that will cancel the
additional maintenance introduced by this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN.
Revision 1:
The purpose of Revision 1 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN is to cancel the instructions contained in this
ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN for helicopters POST MOD 074766 (Cargo compartment / Tailboom junction
frame).
Revision 2:
The purpose of revision 2 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN is to update the effectivity of the
paragraph 1.A.1. for AS355 helicopters version NP.
Revision 2 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN has no effect on the execution of the former revisions of this
Revision 3:
The purpose of revision 3 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN is to update and clarify the effectivity of the
paragraph 1.A.1. for AS355 helicopters version NP.
Therefore, only the helicopters S/N given in paragraph 1.A.1. for the AS355 version NP and
PRE MOD 074766 are concerned by the directives of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN.
Revision 3 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN has no effect on the execution of the former revisions of this
1.D. DESCRIPTION
1) Carry out a visual inspection for cracks without removing hardware on the attachment
points (5 to 12) of the RH reinforcement angles of the rear frame.
Then,
2) Carry out a visual inspection for cracks including removal of hardware on the attachment
points (5 to 12) of the RH reinforcement angles of the rear frame.
Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 4/13

1.E. COMPLIANCE
1.E.1. Compliance at H/C manufacturer level
Not applicable.
1.E.2. Compliance in service
Helicopters/installed equipment:
For all versions, except the AS355 NP version:
a) For helicopters with angle reinforcements which have logged less than 640 flying hours since
installation at the date of receipt of revision 0 of the ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN:
1) Comply with paragraph 3. (except 3.B.2.) of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN, at the latest when the
reinforcement reaches 650 flying hours,
Then,
- Comply with paragraph 3.B.1. at intervals not exceeding 10 flying hours until paragraph 1.E.2.a.2.
has been complied with
Then,
2) Comply with paragraph 3. (except paragraph 3.B.1.) of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN within
165 flying hours once the reinforcement has 650 flying hours.
Then,
- Comply with paragraph 3.B.2. at intervals not exceeding 165 flying hours.
b) For helicopters with angle reinforcements which have logged 640 flying hours or more since
installation at the date of receipt of revision 0 of the ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN:
1) Comply with paragraph 3. (except paragraph 3.B.2.) of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN, within
10 flying hours following receipt of revision 0 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN issued on the date
indicated at the foot of the page,
Then,
- Comply with paragraph 3.B.1 at intervals not exceeding 10 flying hours until paragraph 1.E.2.b.2.
has been complied with
Then,
2) Within 165 flying hours following receipt of revision 0 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN, issued on
the date indicated at the bottom of the page, comply with paragraph 3. (except paragraph 3.B.1.) of
this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN,
Then,
- Comply with paragraph 3.B.2. at intervals not exceeding 165 flying hours.
Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 5/13

For the AS355 NP version:
a) For helicopters with angle reinforcements which have logged less than 640 Flight Hours since
installation at the date of receipt of revision 3 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN:
- Comply with paragraph 3. (except paragraph 3.B.1.) of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN, at the latest
when the reinforcement reaches 650 Flight Hours,
Then,
- Comply with paragraph 3.B.2. at intervals that not exceed 165 Flight Hours.
b) For helicopters with angle reinforcements which have logged 640 Flight Hours or more since
installation at the date of receipt of revision 3 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN:
1) For helicopters that have applied paragraph 3.B.2. for less than 150 Flight Hours at the date of
receipt of revision 3 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN:
- Comply with paragraph 3. (except paragraph 3.B.1.) of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN, not later
than 165 Flight Hours since the last application of paragraph 3.B.2,
Then,
2) For helicopters that have applied paragraph 3.B.2. for 150 Flight Hours or more at the date of
receipt of revision 3 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN:
- Comply with paragraph 3. (except paragraph 3.B.1.) of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN
within 15 Flight Hours that follow the receipt of revision 3, issued on the date indicated at the
bottom of the page,
Then,
Non-installed equipment:
Not applicable.
Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 6/13

1.F. APPROVAL
Approval of modifications:
Not applicable.
Approval of this document:
The technical information contained in this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN Revision 0 was approved
on March 24, 2014 under the authority of EASA Design Organization Approval No. 21J.056 for helicopters of
civil versions subject to an Airworthiness Certificate.
on March 24, 2014 under the prerogatives of the recognition of design capability FRA21J-002-DGA for
French Government helicopters.
on March 24, 2014 by the Airbus Helicopters Airworthiness Department for export military versions.
on July 20, 2020 under the authority of EASA Design Organization Approval No. 21J.700 for
civil version helicopters subject to an Airworthiness Certificate.
on July 20, 2020 under the prerogatives of the recognition of design capability FRA21J-002-DGA for
on July 20, 2020 by the Airbus Helicopters Airworthiness Department for export military versions.
on November 22, 2021 under the authority of EASA Design Organization Approval No. 21J.700 for
on November 22, 2021 under the prerogatives of the recognition of design capability FRA21J-002-DGA for
on November 22, 2021 by the Airbus Helicopters Airworthiness Department for export military versions.
on March 17, 2022 under the authority of EASA Design Organization Approval No. 21J.700 for
on March 17, 2022 under the prerogatives of the recognition of design capability FRA21J-002-DGA for
on March 17, 2022 by the Airbus Helicopters Airworthiness Department for export military versions.
Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 7/13

1.G. MANPOWER
For compliance with this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN, Airbus Helicopters recommends the following
personnel qualifications:
- 1 Mechanical Engineering Technician.
Or,
- 1 pilot with appropriate training and certification, in accordance with the local regulation in force.
The time for the operations is given for information purposes, for a standard configuration.
- Approximately 30 minutes for the inspection without removing hardware.
- Approximately 2 hours for the inspection including removal of hardware.
Helicopter downtime:
Not applicable.
1.H. WEIGHT AND BALANCE
Not applicable.
1.I. POWER CONSUMPTION
Not applicable.
1.J. SOFTWARE UPGRADES/UPDATES
Not applicable.
1.K. REFERENCES
The documents required for compliance with this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN are as follows:
For AS350 helicopters versions B, BA, BB, B1, D and L1, AS355 helicopters all versions,
AS550 helicopters versions A2, C2 and U2 and AS555 helicopters all versions:
MET 53.00.00.402: Tail Boom: Removal - Installation - Structure
For AS350 helicopter versions B2 and B3 and AS550 helicopters version C3:
AMM 53-31-00,4-1: Removal / Installation - Rear Fuselage - Rear Fuselage
For all helicopters versions:

IN: 3643-I-00: Introduction of the digital Service Bulletin reporting R-Tex
1.L. OTHER AFFECTED PUBLICATIONS
Not applicable.
1.M. PART INTERCHANGEABILITY OR MIXABILITY
Not applicable.
Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 8/13

2. MATERIAL INFORMATION
2.A. MATERIAL: PRICE - AVAILABILITY - PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
2.B. LOGISTIC INFORMATION
Airbus Helicopters remains at your disposal for any information concerning compliance with this
Contact the Customer Service Technical Support Department:
- Tel.: + 33 (0)4.42.85.97.03
- Fax: + 33 (0)4.42.85.99.66
- E-mail: support.technical-airframe.ah@airbus.com.
2.C. MATERIAL REQUIRED FOR EACH HELICOPTER/COMPONENT
Not applicable.
Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 9/13

3. ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS
3.A. GENERAL
Not applicable.
3.B. WORK STEPS
3.B.1. Visual check for cracks on the angle reinforcement(s) on the RH side of the frame without removing
screws 5 to 12 of the angle reinforcements
NOTE 1
Thoroughly clean the area before checking for cracks.
As per Figures 1 and 2
- Visually inspect the RH angle reinforcement(s) (Z1 and Z2) of the frame for cracks at the areas of
attachment screws 5 to 12.
a) If there are no cracks: Leave as is and resume flights.
b) If there is a crack in at least one of the 2 angle reinforcements:
Take photos of the areas with cracks.
Then,
Contact Airbus Helicopters according to the conditions described in paragraph 2.B. for technical
instructions.
3.B.2. Visual check for cracks on the angle reinforcement(s) on the RH side of the frame including removal of
screws 5 to 12 of the angle reinforcements
NOTE 2
Thoroughly clean the area before checking for cracks.
NOTE 3
The screws must be removed and installed one after

another.
Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 10/13

As per Figures 1 and 2
- Remove the screw (a).

- Visually inspect the reinforcement angle of the frame at the attachment bore for cracks.
- Install the screw (a) (CROSS SECTION B-B) as per MET Work Card 53.00.00.402 or
AMM Task 53-31-00,4-1.
- Comply with the same procedure for each of the bores 5 to 12.
a) If there are no cracks: Leave as is and resume flights.
b) If there is a crack in at least one of the 2 angle reinforcements:
Take photos of the areas with cracks.
Then,
Contact Airbus Helicopters according to the conditions described in paragraph 2.B. for technical
instructions.
3.C. RECORD OF COMPLIANCE
Identification of this document:
- Record first compliance with this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN and its revision number in the helicopter
documents.
- Record compliance with this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN (see IN 3643-I-00 for instructions):
QR code or hypertext link
NOTE 4
The recording of compliance with

ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN in the
R-TEX tool does not replace the recording in the helicopter
documents.
EASB AS350 05.00.70
3.D. OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Not applicable.
Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 11/13

RH side
No.
5 Z1
Area to be
inspected B
Screws (a) from
5 to 12
B
No.
12
Z2
SECTION
B-B
The screw installation

a order is not important
Figure 1: Check of angle reinforcements
Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 12/13

Example of cracks
Figure 2: Example of cracks
Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 13/13


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EMERGENCY

ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN

TIME LIMITS - MAINTENANCE CHECKS

For the attention of

Revision No. Date of issue

Reason for last Revision:

It is mandatory to comply with this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN.

Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 1/13

1.A.1. Helicopters/installed equipment

a) For all versions, except the AS355 NP version:

Helicopters which embody MOD 073232 are not concerned

The purpose of MOD 073215 is to reinforce the rear

This MOD 074766 is effective through the Service Bulletins

HELICOPTERS FITTED WITH AT LEAST ONE

HELICOPTERS WHICH HAVE NO REINFORCEMENT

Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 2/13

IN THE CASE THAT THE RIC AMS SPECIFIES THE MOD

b) For the AS355 NP version:

Helicopters whose S/N are listed below:

Helicopters whose S/N are not listed above are not

1.A.2. Non-installed equipment

1.B. ASSOCIATED REQUIREMENTS

Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 3/13

Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 4/13

1.E.1. Compliance at H/C manufacturer level

1.E.2. Compliance in service

For all versions, except the AS355 NP version:

Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 5/13

Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 6/13

Approval of this document:

Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 7/13

1.H. WEIGHT AND BALANCE

1.I. POWER CONSUMPTION

1.J. SOFTWARE UPGRADES/UPDATES

For all helicopters versions:

1.L. OTHER AFFECTED PUBLICATIONS

1.M. PART INTERCHANGEABILITY OR MIXABILITY

Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 8/13

2.A. MATERIAL: PRICE - AVAILABILITY - PROCUREMENT

2.B. LOGISTIC INFORMATION

2.C. MATERIAL REQUIRED FOR EACH HELICOPTER/COMPONENT

Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 9/13

3.B. WORK STEPS

Thoroughly clean the area before checking for cracks.

As per Figures 1 and 2

a) If there are no cracks: Leave as is and resume flights.

b) If there is a crack in at least one of the 2 angle reinforcements:

Take photos of the areas with cracks.

Thoroughly clean the area before checking for cracks.

The screws must be removed and installed one after

Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 10/13

- Remove the screw (a).

a) If there are no cracks: Leave as is and resume flights.

b) If there is a crack in at least one of the 2 angle reinforcements:

Take photos of the areas with cracks.

3.C. RECORD OF COMPLIANCE

Identification of this document:

The recording of compliance with

EASB AS350 05.00.70

3.D. OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

Revision 0 2014-03-24 Page 11/13

The screw installation

Figure 1: Check of angle reinforcements