{"id":"F2006B07101","name":"AD/S-PUMA/24 Amdt 1 - Intermediate Gearbox Front Stirrup","slug":"ad-s-puma-24-amdt-1-intermediate-gearbox-front-stirrup","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":48880,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B07101-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/S-PUMA/24 Amdt 1 - Intermediate Gearbox Front Stirrup","content":"COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 \\- 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY\n\nSCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES\n\n![](image.001.png)  \nEurocopter AS 332 (Super Puma) Series Helicopters\n\nAD/S-PUMA/24\n\nAmdt 1\n\n  \nIntermediate Gearbox Front Stirrup 2/98\n\nApplicability: All model AS 332 helicopters version C, C1, L, L1 and L2 not incorporating Modification 0761049 or 0761050 and fitted with intermediate gearbox (IGB) P/N 332A35-0002, all dash numbers, P/N 332A35-0010, all dash numbers, and P/N 332A35-0011-01.\n\nRequirement: 1. Until compliance has been assured in accordance with Requirement 2 of this Directive, visually inspect the stirrup forward lugs for cracks as described in paragraph 2B(1) of Eurocopter Mandatory SB 01-00-47 Revision 1 dated September 10, 1997. Perform dye penetrant inspection if crack indications are present. Replace IGB if cracks are confirmed.\n\n    2. Check conformity of the IGB to structure attachment as described in paragraph 2B(2), 2B (2)(2.1) or 2B(2.1.2.b), as applicable, of the Requirement document.\n\n    3. Check conformity of the attachment hardware in accordance with paragraph 2B(2) of the requirement document.\n\nNote: DGAC AD 96-263-060(AB)R1 and DGAC AD 96-262-004(AB)R1 refer.\n\nCompliance: 1. Daily during the after last flight inspection.\n\n2. a. Unless previously carried out, within 500 hours time in service from 30 January 1997.\n\n    2. b. If previously carried out, within 100 hours time in service from the effective date of this directive.\n\n    3. Before installation of a spare IGB.\n\nThis amendment becomes effective on 29 January 1998.\n\nBackground: The manufacturer has advised that cracking in the front stirrup mount of the intermediate gearbox has been found. A conformity check of the IGB is required.\n\nThis amendment is issued to exempt those helicopters which have modification 0761049 or 0761050 incorporated.\n\nThe original issue of this airworthiness directive became effective on 30 January 1997.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This amendment maintains the original scope of the airworthiness directive. The amendment narrows applicability by adding an exemption for helicopters with specific modifications, but this is a standard safety directive refinement rather than scope creep. The core purpose—addressing the cracked stirrup mount issue—remains unchanged."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple conditional compliance timelines (500 hours vs 100 hours depending on prior work)","Cross-references to external technical documents (Eurocopter Mandatory SB 01-00-47 Revision 1, DGAC ADs)","Specific part number applicability with \"all dash numbers\" variations","Nested applicability criteria (model versions AND modification status AND specific part numbers)","Three distinct technical requirements with different compliance schedules","Reference to French aviation authority directives (DGAC) without full text inclusion"],"plain_english_summary":"This safety notice requires daily post-flight visual inspections of the intermediate gearbox front stirrup on certain Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma variants (C, C1, L, L1, L2) without specific factory mods and with listed gearbox P/Ns; cracked finds must be dye-tested and, if confirmed, the entire gearbox replaced, plus conformity checks and spare-gearbox verification before installation.\n\nCracks can cause catastrophic in-flight failure, so inspections continue until compliance (within 500 flight hours, shorter if partly done); Amendment 1 exempts helicopters already fitted with the corrective factory mods."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"This amendment narrows the original AD's scope by exempting any AS 332 with modification 0761049 or 0761050 fitted. The original AD (effective 30 January 1997) applied to the listed helicopters without that exemption; the 1998 amendment removes those modified helicopters from the AD's obligations, thereby reducing the population of aircraft subject to the inspection and conformity checks."},"complexity_factors":["Specific applicability limited to certain AS 332 submodels and to three IGB part numbers (clear but detailed applicability list).","Exemption for helicopters with modifications 0761049 or 0761050 (narrowing scope).","Three distinct technical requirements: visual inspection, dye‑penetrant follow-up, and conformity checks against Service Bulletin paragraphs.","Multiple compliance timeframes: daily (after‑last‑flight), within 500 hours from a 1997 baseline, within 100 hours if previously checked, and before installation of a spare (several timing windows).","Cross‑references to Eurocopter Mandatory Service Bulletin paragraphs (technical detail delegated to SB).","References to prior DGAC airworthiness directives (DGAC AD 96-263-060(AB)R1 and DGAC AD 96-262-004(AB)R1), creating regulatory genealogy but not additional procedural requirements."],"plain_english_summary":"**What this directive does (in plain English)**\n\n- **Who it applies to:** Owners/operators of Eurocopter AS 332 (Super Puma) helicopters, versions C, C1, L, L1 and L2, that do not have modification 0761049 or 0761050 fitted, and that are fitted with intermediate gearbox (IGB) part numbers 332A35-0002, 332A35-0010, or 332A35-0011-01 (Applicability). \n\n- **What it requires (mechanics):**\n  - Daily visual inspection of the IGB front (stirrup) forward lugs during the after-last-flight inspection; if any crack indications are seen, perform a dye-penetrant inspection and remove/replace the IGB if cracks are confirmed (Requirement 1; Compliance 1). \n  - A conformity check of the IGB mounting/attachment structure according to the specified paragraphs of the Eurocopter Mandatory Service Bulletin (Requirement 2). \n  - A conformity check of the attachment hardware per the Service Bulletin (Requirement 3). \n  - Spare IGBs must be checked for conformity before installation (Compliance 3). \n\n- **Timings for the mandatory checks (Compliance):**\n  - Daily visual checks: every after‑last‑flight inspection (Compliance 1).\n  - The conformity check must be done within 500 hours time in service from 30 January 1997 unless it has already been done; if it was previously done, it must be repeated within 100 hours time in service from the effective date of this amendment (Compliance 2a/2b).\n  - The rule about spare IGB checks applies before any spare IGB is installed (Compliance 3).\n\n- **What triggers replacement:** If a crack is confirmed by dye‑penetrant testing, the intermediate gearbox must be replaced (Requirement 1).\n\n- **Why the directive exists:** The manufacturer reported cracking in the front stirrup mount of the intermediate gearbox; the AD implements inspections and conformity checks to detect and remove cracked gearboxes. The amendment specifically exempts helicopters that have already incorporated modification 0761049 or 0761050 (Background).\n\n**Who bears the costs and who decides**\n\n- Owners/operators pay for the additional inspections, any dye‑penetrant testing, parts and labour for replacing IGBs, and for any downtime while inspections or replacements are performed. Maintenance organisations or licensed maintenance personnel perform the checks and make replacement decisions, operating under the AD's technical requirements and the referenced Eurocopter Service Bulletin paragraphs. Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) enforces compliance by way of the airworthiness directive framework.\n\n**Behavioral and commercial effects (mechanical incentives and trade-offs)**\n\n- Operators will increase recurring maintenance effort (daily visual checks) and may incur unscheduled replacement costs if cracks are found. This raises short‑term operating cost and potential aircraft downtime.\n- Some operators may choose to incorporate modification 0761049 or 0761050 (if available and cost justified) to become exempt from this AD, shifting costs from recurring inspections to a one‑off modification cost.\n- Maintenance organisations and service providers receive work from the required inspections and possible dye‑penetrant testing and replacements. Spare IGBs that are not demonstrated conforming cannot be installed until checked, affecting spare-part flow and inventory decisions.\n\n**Implementation, compliance burden and risks**\n\n- The daily visual check is straightforward but frequent; its effectiveness depends on the skill/rigour of inspection staff and access to the parts being inspected. Dye‑penetrant testing reduces the risk of missed cracks but raises testing cost and turnaround time.\n- There is operational risk from false positives (unnecessary replacement) and false negatives (missed cracking that could later fail in service). The AD mitigates false negatives by requiring dye‑penetrant follow-up when visual indications exist.\n- The AD cross‑references specific paragraphs of a Eurocopter Mandatory Service Bulletin; compliance requires access to and correct interpretation of that technical material.\n\n**Net effect summary**\n\n- Mechanically, the AD mandates routine inspection and conformity checks of a specific gearbox mounting (with replacement where cracks are confirmed) and exempts helicopters that have two specified modifications fitted. The immediate cost is borne by operators through inspection time, testing and potential replacement; the safety benefit is concentrated on aircraft integrity and passenger/crew safety. The clear incentive created is for operators to either accept recurring inspection costs or invest in the modifying work that secures the exemption (Applicability; Requirements; Compliance)."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-s-puma-24-amdt-1-intermediate-gearbox-front-stirrup","history":"/api/acts/ad-s-puma-24-amdt-1-intermediate-gearbox-front-stirrup/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-s-puma-24-amdt-1-intermediate-gearbox-front-stirrup/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-s-puma-24-amdt-1-intermediate-gearbox-front-stirrup/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-s-puma-24-amdt-1-intermediate-gearbox-front-stirrup/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-s-puma-24-amdt-1-intermediate-gearbox-front-stirrup/documents"}}