CANCELLED: Main Rotor — Main Rotor Spindle — Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2016-0221
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators and maintenance personnel should follow the inspection intervals and life limits specified in FAA AD 2018-02-01 for main rotor spindles on Enstrom F-28, 280, and 480 helicopters. No further action is required under EASA AD 2016-0221 as it is cancelled. Stakeholders should ensure all inspections and replacements comply with the FAA AD requirements to maintain airworthiness.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive Cancellation Notice 2016-0221-CN cancels the previous EASA AD 2016-0221 concerning the inspection of main rotor spindles on Enstrom F-28, 280, and 480 helicopters. The cancellation follows the adoption of FAA AD 2018-02-01, which requires repetitive inspections and establishes a life limit for the affected spindles. This notice applies to all serial numbers of the specified Enstrom helicopter models.
What changed
This cancellation notice officially withdraws EASA AD 2016-0221, which mandated repetitive magnetic particle inspections of main rotor spindles. The FAA AD 2018-02-01 supersedes the previous requirements by introducing repetitive inspections at intervals not exceeding 500 flight hours and setting a spindle life limit of 1,500 flight hours. EASA has adopted the FAA AD, rendering the earlier EASA directive unnecessary.
Why it matters
The cancellation and adoption of the FAA AD ensure consistent and updated safety requirements for Enstrom helicopter operators and maintenance organizations. It clarifies inspection intervals and spindle life limits, helping to prevent undetected cracks that could lead to main rotor blade separation and loss of control. Compliance teams benefit from harmonized regulations between EASA and FAA, simplifying maintenance planning and regulatory adherence.
More for Enstrom Helicopter Corporation 280
All 5- EASA AD 2018-0286Main Rotor — Hydraulic Damper / Belt Tension Shaft Rod End Assembly — InspectionDec 20, 2018
- EASA AD 2018-0067Main Rotor – Hydraulic Damper / Belt Tension Shaft Rod End Assembly – InspectionMar 23, 2018
- EASA AD US-2018-02-01Main Rotor — Main Rotor Spindle — Recurring InspectionJan 24, 2018
- EASA AD US-2017-26-03Main Rotor - Rod End Bearing Assemblies - InspectionDec 21, 2017
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