Main Rotor Blade Attachment Pin — Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2015-0016
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must inspect affected parts within specified flight hour intervals and calendar times as defined in the directive, measure chamfer thickness after corrosion removal, and perform corrective actions such as corrosion removal or part replacement if defects are found. Inspections must begin within 410 flight hours for AS 332 L2 and 660 flight hours for EC 225 LP helicopters after 13 February 2015 or as specified. All inspections and corrective actions must follow the instructions in the applicable Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletins.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0172 is an airworthiness directive addressing inspection requirements for the main rotor blade attachment pin assemblies on Airbus Helicopters AS 332 L2 and EC 225 LP models. It mandates inspections and measurements of specific part numbers 332A31-2123-00, 332A31-2115-20, and 332A31-3204-20 to detect corrosion and cracking. The directive aims to ensure continued airworthiness and prevent potential failure of these critical components.
What changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2015-0016 and introduces conditional measurement of the chamfer thickness of the affected pins after corrosion removal. It removes the previous requirement to replace parts after more than four corrosion removals and updates inspection intervals and corrective actions based on new findings. The applicable Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletins were also revised to reflect these changes.
Why it matters
This directive is crucial for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent main rotor blade attachment pin failure, which could lead to loss of helicopter control. It provides updated inspection and maintenance procedures that improve safety while potentially reducing unnecessary part replacements. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory adherence for affected Airbus Helicopters AS 332 L2 and EC 225 LP models.
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