ASBAS350010069ENR3

ASB No. AS350-01.00.
69
Civil version(s): B1, B2
Military version(s): L1
ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN

SUBJECT: LIMITATIONS - Main Gearbox (MGB) Casings
Limitation and follow-up of casings in torque cycles (TC)

ATA: 63
For the attention of
Revision No. Date of issue
Revision 0 2015-06-02
Revision 1 2015-07-28
Revision 2 2015-12-22
Revision 3 2016-01-07
Summary:
This ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN informs that the Service Life Limit (SLL) follow-up of the MGB sump is now to be
carried out in torque cycles (TC).
Reason for last Revision:
The purpose of Revision 3 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN is to clarify the applicability in paragraph 1.E.2.a.a)
for MGB sumps if the number of torque cycles (TC) logged is known.
Compliance:
Airbus Helicopters renders compliance with this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN mandatory.
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Revision 3 2016-01-07 This document is available on the internet: www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub
ASB No. AS350-01.00.69
1. PLANNING INFORMATION
1.A. EFFECTIVITY
NOTE 1
Refer to the Log Cards (FM) to identify the actual

configuration of the helicopter.
1.A.1. Helicopters/installed equipment
Helicopters equipped with a MGB sump with a Part Number indicated in paragraph 4.A.
1.A.2. Non-installed equipment
MGB main modules equipped with a MGB sump with a Part Number indicated in paragraph 4.A.
1.B. ASSOCIATED REQUIREMENTS
Not applicable.
1.C. REASON
Revision 0:
During certification of the AS350 B3"e" helicopter, an optimization of the stress calculation resources for both
MGB main module casings (main casing assembly and MGB sump) revealed critical areas which had not yet
been identified on the previous Ecureuil helicopter versions.
Following these results, Airbus Helicopters has re-substantiated the stress on all existing MGB casings of the
Ecureuil family through the use of these new resources. Consequently, the service life of these casings may
change slightly.
As the MGB casings are mainly stressed in torque cycles (TC), and for harmonization purposes, Airbus
Helicopters has decided to follow-up the main casings and MGB sumps on the Ecureuil helicopter versions
indicated in paragraph 4.A., in torque cycles (TC), although no cracks have been reported on these casings.
The table below indicates the current Service Life Limit (SLL), which is maintained, as well as an additional
limitation from which an inspection of the MGB sumps on AS350 B1, B2 and L1 helicopters is required
through this ASB:
Service Life Limit Limitation before

Designation
(SLL) inspection
MGB Sump 20000 FH 93700 TC
For clarification, the table given in paragraph 4.A. summarizes the SLL values specified in the Master
Servicing Manual (MSM) and the new torque cycle (TC) limitations introduced according to the Ecureuil
family versions, as well as the associated ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN numbers.
Airbus Helicopters renders compliance with this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN mandatory.
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ASB No. AS350-01.00.69
Revision 1:
Airbus Helicopters has been informed that symbol “XX” has been marked on some MGB sumps, near their
Part Number. This symbol is marked as part of compliance with Letter to Repair Stations (LR) No. 188.
In order to avoid any confusion with this repair and to specify more clearly which casings are concerned by
this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN, Airbus Helicopters makes compliance with this ALERT SERVICE
BULLETIN Revision 1 mandatory.
Revision 2:
The purpose of revision 2 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN is to modify the time limit for replacing MGB
sumps which are free from cracks, in cases where the number of TCs performed is known (see
paragraph 1.E.2.a. a).
Revision 3:
The purpose of Revision 3 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN is to clarify the applicability in
paragraph 1.E.2.a.a) for MGB sumps if the number of torque cycles (TC) logged is known.
1.D. DESCRIPTION
Revision 0:
This ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN Revision 0 consists in:
- Informing that the follow-up of MGB sumps is now to be carried out in torque cycles (TC) only.
- Calculating the Service Life Limit (SLL) in torque cycles (TC) for casings which have never been
followed-up in torque cycles (TC).
- Implementing a specific inspection to be performed if the new limitation of the MGB sumps as defined in
paragraph 1.E. is exceeded.
Revision 1:
This ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN Revision 1 consists in:
- Marking symbol “V” after the Serial Number (S/N) of MGB sumps for which the number of logged torque
cycles was estimated by converting the number of flying hours, in compliance with this ALERT SERVICE
BULLETIN Revision 0.
- Adding details concerning the casings listed in paragraph 4.A.
Revisions 2 and 3:
Clarification of the applicability in paragraph 1.E.2.a.a) for MGB sumps if the number of torque cycles (TC)
logged is known.
1.E. COMPLIANCE
1.E.1. Compliance at the works
Not applicable.
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ASB No. AS350-01.00.69
1.E.2. Compliance in service
CAUTION
AFTER EACH INSPECTION, REPORT THE RESULTS
OBTAINED TO THE AIRBUS HELICOPTERS TECHNICAL
SUPPORT DEPARTMENT BY SENDING AN E-MAIL TO:
support.technical-dyncomp.ah@airbus.com
Helicopters/installed equipment
1.E.2.a. For helicopters on which Revision 0 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN has not been complied with:
Within 165 flying hours and no later than within 6 months following receipt of this ALERT SERVICE
BULLETIN Revision 0, issued on June 02, 2015, record the number of flying hours and, if possible, the
number of torque cycles logged by the MGB sump:
NOTE 2
For casings installed on MGBs which have not yet

undergone Complete Overhaul (RG), it is possible to
determine the number of torque cycles through the cycle
follow-up carried out for other MGB components.
a) If the number of torque cycles (TC) logged is known:

. If the MGB sump has logged less than 92700 TC on the date of first compliance with this ALERT
SERVICE BULLETIN:
- No additional action is required until 92700 TC are reached.
- When 92700 TC are reached, check within 1000 TC that there are no cracks at each of the
attachment lugs (Area A, Figure 1) of the casing as per paragraph 3.B.2.:
Interpretation of the results:
- If there is a crack, replace the casing before resuming flights.

- If there are no cracks:
. Replace the casing during the next Repair (RE) or Complete Overhaul (RG) of the MGB main
module no later than within 27000 TC following the check, without exceeding 120000 TC.
. If the MGB sump has logged 92700 or more TC on the date of first compliance with this ALERT
SERVICE BULLETIN:
- Check that there are no cracks at each of the attachment lugs (Area A, Figure 1) of the casing within
1000 TC and as per paragraph 3.B.2.:
- If there is a crack, replace the casing before resuming flights.

- If there are no cracks:
. Replace the casing during the next Repair (RE) or Complete Overhaul (RG) of the MGB main
module no later than within 27000 TC following the check, without exceeding 120000 TC.
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ASB No. AS350-01.00.69
b) If the number of torque cycles (TC) logged is unknown:
. Convert the flying hours into torque cycles:
- Number of torque cycles = number of flying hours x 6
. Update the Log Card (FM) by specifying the calculated number of torque cycles (TC).
. Mark a "V" after the Serial Number (S/N) of the MGB sump:
- on the casing as per MTC Work Card 20.08.05.103,
- on the MGB Log Card.
NOTE 3
The "V" symbol marked after the S/N of the casing means
that the number of torque cycles has been estimated by
converting the number of flying hours logged by this casing
into torque cycles.
. Check that there are no cracks at each of the attachment lugs (Area A, Figure 1) within
1000 TC following first compliance with this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN, as per paragraph 3.B.2.:
then,
. every 27000 TC.
. If there is a crack, replace the casing before resuming flights.

. If there are no cracks:
- Replace the casing during the next Repair (RE) or Complete Overhaul (RG) of the MGB main module
after having reached 93700 TC, without exceeding 120000 TC.
NOTE 4
The MGB casings can only be replaced by a D-level

maintenance center.
1.E.2.b. For helicopters on which Revision 0 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN has been complied with:
a) If the number of torque cycles (TC) logged by the MGB sump has been estimated by converting
the number of flying hours logged by the MGB sump into torque cycles:
No later than within 3 months following receipt of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN Revision 1, issued
on July 28, 2015:
- Mark a “V” after the Serial Number (S/N) of the MGB sump:
. on the MGB sump, as per MTC Work Card 20.08.05.103.
. on the MGB Log Card.
NOTE 5
Symbol “V” marked after the S/N of the MGB sump means
that the number of torque cycles has been estimated by
converting the number of flying hours logged by the MGB
sump into torque cycles.
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ASB No. AS350-01.00.69
- Delete symbol “X” marked as part of compliance with ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN Revision 0:
. from the MGB sump.
. from the MGB Log Card.
- If symbol “XX” is marked near the Part Number of the MGB sump, leave the symbol as is.
NOTE 6
Symbol “XX” is marked on casings on which LR No. 188 was

complied with.
b) In other cases:
- No additional action is required.
Non-installed equipment:
Before installation of a MGB on the helicopter, comply with paragraph 1.E.2.
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 June 01, 2015 under the authority of EASA Design Organization Approval No. 21J.056 for helicopters of
civil versions subject to an Airworthiness Certificate.
on June 01, 2015 under the prerogatives of the recognition of design capability FRA21J-002-DGA for French
Government helicopters.
on June 01, 2015 by the Airbus Helicopters Airworthiness Department for export military versions.
on July 27, 2015 under the authority of EASA Design Organization Approval No. 21J.056 for helicopters of
civil versions subject to an Airworthiness Certificate.
on July 27, 2015 under the prerogatives of the recognition of design capability FRA21J-002-DGA for French
Government helicopters.
on July 27, 2015 by the Airbus Helicopters Airworthiness Department for export military versions.
Revision 0 2015-06-02 Page 6/13

ASB No. AS350-01.00.69
on December 21, 2015 under the authority of EASA Design Organization Approval No. 21J.056 for
helicopters of civil versions subject to an Airworthiness Certificate.
on December 21, 2015 under the prerogatives of the recognition of design capability FRA21J-002-DGA for
French Government helicopters.
on December 21, 2015 by the Airbus Helicopters Airworthiness Department for export military versions.
on January 07, 2016 under the authority of EASA Design Organization Approval No. 21J.056 for helicopters
of civil versions subject to an Airworthiness Certificate.
on January 07, 2016 under the prerogatives of the recognition of design capability FRA21J-002-DGA for
French Government helicopters.
on January 07, 2016 by the Airbus Helicopters Airworthiness Department for export military versions.
1.G. MANPOWER
For compliance with this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN, Airbus Helicopters recommends the following
personnel qualifications:
Qualification: 1 Technician.
The time for the operations is given for information purposes, for a standard configuration.
Time for the operations: approximately 2 hours.
1.H. WEIGHT AND BALANCE
Not applicable.
1.I. EFFECT ON ELECTRICAL LOADS
Not applicable.
1.J. SOFTWARE MODIFICATION EMBODIMENT RECORD
Not applicable.
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ASB No. AS350-01.00.69
1.K. REFERENCES
The documents required for compliance with this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN are as follows:
For AS350 helicopters, version B2:
AMM: 63-00-00, 4-1: Main rotor drive - Removal/Installation - MGB/MRH Assembly
For AS350 helicopters, versions B1 and L1:
MET: 63.00.00.402: Main rotor drive: MGB - Bidirectional suspension: Removal-Installation
For AS350 helicopters, all versions:
MTC: 20.02.09.101: Crack detection - Crack detection through dye-penetrant inspection: General
MTC: 20.02.09.601: Crack detection - Checking structural parts/components using the dye penetrant
procedure
MTC: 20.04.02.401: Stripping: Chemical stripping of organic surface finishes
MTC: 20.04.05.101: Paint and primer application procedure - General information about painting means
and paint touch-ups
MTC: 20.08.05.101: General rules applicable to aircraft - Drafting and updating the log card (F.M.) for
equipment follow-up
MTC: 20.08.05.103: General rules applicable to aircraft - Monitoring of parts in operation - marking -
service life customization
1.L. DOCUMENTS AFFECTED
Not applicable.
1.M. INTERCHANGEABILITY OR MIXABILITY OF PARTS
Not applicable.
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ASB No. AS350-01.00.69
2. MATERIAL INFORMATION
2.A. MATERIAL: PRICE - AVAILABILITY - PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
2.B. INFORMATION CONCERNING INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT
Not applicable.
2.C. MATERIAL REQUIRED FOR EACH HELICOPTER/COMPONENT
Not applicable.
2.D. MATERIAL TO BE RETURNED
Not applicable.
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ASB No. AS350-01.00.69
3. ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS
3.A. GENERAL
Read and comply with the General information about painting means and paint touch-ups as per MTC Work
Card 20.04.05.101.
3.B. OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE
3.B.1. Preliminary steps
Install the access equipment.
3.B.2. Check for cracks on each of the attachment lugs (Figure 1)
- Visually check that there are no cracks at each of the attachment lugs (Area A, Figure 1).
- If in doubt about the absence of cracks:

. Remove the MGB as per AMM Task 63-00-00, 4-1 or MET Work Card 63.00.00.402.
. Strip each of the attachment lugs in area A (Figure 1) as per MTC Work Card 20.04.02.401.
. Perform a non-destructive inspection (e.g. dye-penetrant inspection as per MTC Work
Cards 20.02.09.101 and 20.02.09.601).
. Check that there are no cracks.
- Interpret the results as per paragraph 1.E.2.
- If previously removed, install a MGB as per AMM Task 63-00-00, 4-1 or MET Work Card 63.00.00.402.
3.B.3. Final steps
Remove the access equipment.
3.C. IDENTIFICATION
Identification of this document:
Record compliance with this document, with the revision number, in the helicopter documents.
Record compliance with this document, with the revision number, on the MGB Log Card (FM) as per MTC
Work Card 20.08.05.101.
3.D. OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Not applicable.
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ASB No. AS350-01.00.69
Area A
Figure 1
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ASB No. AS350-01.00.69
4. APPENDIX
4.A. Table of casings which are concerned by the introduction of the torque cycle limitations
ALERT
New limitation
Casing Part Service life SERVICE
Helicopter Version(s) Casing before
Numbers limit BULLETIN
inspection
No.
350A32-3119-03
B1, B2, L1 MGB sump 350A32-3119-05 20000 FH 93700 TC 01.00.69
350A32-3156-21
Fitted on assembly
350A32-3156-01
AS350 350A32-3156-22 20000 FH

Main Casing 89800 TC
B3 Fitted on assembly // 120000 TC 01.00.68
350A32-3156-02
350A32-3121-04
350A32-3121-06
MGB sump 350A32-3119-05 20000 FH 78100 TC
E, F, F1, 350A32-3119-03
MGB sump 350A32-3119-05 20000 FH 93700 TC 01.00.56
F2, N
AS355 Main Casing
350A32-3121-07 10900 FH 65400 TC
assembly
NP 01.00.55
350A32-3119-03
MGB sump 12800 FH 76800 TC
350A32-3119-05
350A32-3119-03
A2, C2, U2 MGB sump 20000 FH 93700 TC 01.00.28
350A32-3119-05
350A32-3156-21
Fitted on assembly
350A32-3156-01
AS550 350A32-3156-22 20000 FH

C3 Fitted on assembly // 120000 TC 01.00.27
350A32-3156-02
350A32-3121-04
350A32-3121-06
MGB sump 350A32-3119-05 20000 FH 78100 TC
AF, AN, SN, 350A32-3119-03

AS555 MGB sump 350A32-3119-05 20000 FH 93700 TC 01.00.25
UF, UN
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ASB No. AS350-01.00.69
Table of casings which are concerned by the introduction of the torque cycle limitations
(cont’d).
ALERT
New limitation
Casing Service life SERVICE
Helicopter Version(s) Casing before
Part Numbers limit BULLETIN
inspection
No.
350A32-3156-21
Fitted on assembly
350A32-3156-01
20000 FH
// 120000 TC
EC130 B4 350A32-3156-22 04A005
Fitted on assembly
350A32-3156-02
20000 FH
MGB sump 350A32-3119-05 78100 TC
// 120000 TC
Revision 0 2015-06-02 Page 13/13


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ASB No. AS350-01.00.

ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN

Limitation and follow-up of casings in torque cycles (TC)

For the attention of

Revision No. Date of issue

Reason for last Revision:

Revision 0 2015-06-02 Page 1/13

Refer to the Log Cards (FM) to identify the actual

1.A.1. Helicopters/installed equipment

1.A.2. Non-installed equipment

1.B. ASSOCIATED REQUIREMENTS

Service Life Limit Limitation before

Revision 0 2015-06-02 Page 2/13

1.E.1. Compliance at the works

Revision 0 2015-06-02 Page 3/13

For casings installed on MGBs which have not yet

a) If the number of torque cycles (TC) logged is known:

Interpretation of the results:

- If there is a crack, replace the casing before resuming flights.

Interpretation of the results:

- If there is a crack, replace the casing before resuming flights.

Revision 0 2015-06-02 Page 4/13

Interpretation of the results:

. If there is a crack, replace the casing before resuming flights.

The MGB casings can only be replaced by a D-level

Revision 0 2015-06-02 Page 5/13

Symbol “XX” is marked on casings on which LR No. 188 was

- No additional action is required.

Before installation of a MGB on the helicopter, comply with paragraph 1.E.2.

Approval of this document:

Revision 0 2015-06-02 Page 6/13

Time for the operations: approximately 2 hours.

1.H. WEIGHT AND BALANCE

1.I. EFFECT ON ELECTRICAL LOADS

1.J. SOFTWARE MODIFICATION EMBODIMENT RECORD

Revision 0 2015-06-02 Page 7/13

For AS350 helicopters, version B2:

AMM: 63-00-00, 4-1: Main rotor drive - Removal/Installation - MGB/MRH Assembly

For AS350 helicopters, versions B1 and L1:

MET: 63.00.00.402: Main rotor drive: MGB - Bidirectional suspension: Removal-Installation

For AS350 helicopters, all versions:

1.L. DOCUMENTS AFFECTED

1.M. INTERCHANGEABILITY OR MIXABILITY OF PARTS

Revision 0 2015-06-02 Page 8/13

2.A. MATERIAL: PRICE - AVAILABILITY - PROCUREMENT

2.B. INFORMATION CONCERNING INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT

2.C. MATERIAL REQUIRED FOR EACH HELICOPTER/COMPONENT

2.D. MATERIAL TO BE RETURNED

Revision 0 2015-06-02 Page 9/13

3.B. OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE

3.B.1. Preliminary steps

Install the access equipment.

3.B.2. Check for cracks on each of the attachment lugs (Figure 1)

- If in doubt about the absence of cracks:

- Interpret the results as per paragraph 1.E.2.

3.B.3. Final steps

Remove the access equipment.

Identification of this document:

3.D. OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

Revision 0 2015-06-02 Page 10/13

Revision 0 2015-06-02 Page 11/13

AS350 350A32-3156-22 20000 FH

AS550 350A32-3156-22 20000 FH

AF, AN, SN, 350A32-3119-03