Main Rotor — Swashplate Assembly — Replacement / Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2016-0142
- Replaces
- 2016-0060
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must not install affected clamps or swashplate bellows with specified part numbers from the effective date of this revision. Within 50 flight hours or during the next periodical inspection after 25 August 2015, or within 400 flight hours for helicopters with new bellows after 2 August 2016, the swashplate bellows must be removed and inspected per the applicable Airbus Helicopters service bulletins. Any discrepancies found must be corrected before the next flight.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016-0142R1 is a regulatory document addressing the replacement and inspection of the main rotor swashplate assembly on Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH MBB-BK 117 and BO105 helicopter models. It applies to all serial numbers of MBB-BK117 A-1 through C-2e variants and BO105 A through LS A-3 variants, including STC-modified 'Superlifter' versions. The directive focuses on ensuring the integrity of swashplate bellows clamps and bellows to prevent loss of control due to clamp failure.
What changed
This revision deletes the previous requirements for repetitive inspections of the swashplate assembly, changing the 400 flight hours repetitive inspections to recommended status and removing the 100 flight hours inspections. It also removes obsolete modification requirements and simplifies the directive's language without altering compliance times or required actions.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety issue where missing or damaged swashplate bellows clamps could lead to loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to prevent clamp loosening or loss, which could cause serious mechanical failures. The update clarifies inspection requirements, reducing unnecessary repetitive inspections while maintaining safety standards.
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