Time Limits / Maintenance Checks – Airworthiness Limitations – Amendment
Superseded. Comply with 2022-0067, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2013-0178
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must replace components before exceeding their life limits and perform all maintenance tasks within specified thresholds and intervals as per the updated Master Servicing Manual Chapter 04, Revision 23. The approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme must be revised within 12 months of the effective date to incorporate these requirements. For the tail rotor hub body, the first replacement may be deferred up to 9 months after the effective date. Any discrepancies found during maintenance must be corrected within specified times or before the next flight.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0243 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH EC135 and EC635 helicopter models. It mandates compliance with updated airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks as specified in the Airbus Helicopters EC135 Master Servicing Manual Chapter 04, Revision 23. The directive ensures continued airworthiness by enforcing life limits and maintenance intervals for critical components including the tail rotor hub body.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0243 supersedes the previous AD 2013-0178 and introduces updated and more restrictive life limits and maintenance tasks for EC135 and EC635 helicopters. It incorporates the latest Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC135-04A-012 and the revised Master Servicing Manual Chapter 04, Revision 23, reflecting new helicopter models and revised component life limits.
Why it matters
This directive is crucial for operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams as it mandates adherence to updated maintenance schedules and component replacement limits to prevent unsafe conditions. Failure to comply could compromise helicopter safety and regulatory compliance, impacting operational authorization and airworthiness certification.
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- EASA AD 2026-0032Tail Rotor — Tail Rotor Blades — InspectionFeb 19, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0031Tail Rotor — Tail Rotor Blades — InspectionFeb 19, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0024
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