Airworthiness DirectiveSupersededEASA AD 2018-0168R1

Tail Rotor – Blade – Re-identification / Life Limit

Superseded. Comply with 2022-0067, which replaces this document.

Published: Dec 18, 2020
Effective: Dec 25, 2020
Deadline: Dec 25, 2020
Replaces: 2018-0168

Airbus Helicopters EC135

AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.

What to do

Operators must replace affected tail rotor blades before they exceed 12,000 flight hours since first installation, using approved maintenance manual procedures. Installation of tail rotor blades is permitted only if the parts are serviceable as defined by the directive, and they must be removed from service according to the AD requirements. Stakeholders should refer to the specified Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletins for detailed instructions.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0168R1 is an amendment concerning Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH EC135 and EC635 helicopter models. It addresses the tail rotor blades with part numbers L642A2002101 and L642A2002111, focusing on their life limits and re-identification following changes in manufacturing processes. The directive ensures continued airworthiness by specifying service life and replacement requirements for affected tail rotor blades.

What changed

This revision of EASA AD 2018-0168 removes the previously imposed reduced life limits on certain tail rotor blades after determining that manufacturing deviations do not affect their life limits. It allows continued operation of affected parts up to their nominal life limits and updates replacement and installation requirements accordingly. The revision also deletes a previously required action and clarifies serviceability definitions.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to maintain compliance with airworthiness requirements and ensure helicopter safety. It prevents unnecessary early replacement of tail rotor blades, optimizing maintenance costs and operational availability. Compliance helps avoid potential loss of control due to blade failure and ensures adherence to European aviation safety regulations.

More for Airbus Helicopters EC135

All 49

Get the next one by email

New ADs and bulletins for Airbus Helicopters EC135, Helicopters 635 and Helicopters EC635, summarized like this page, every Monday.