EASA AD 2018-0176: Main Rotor Drive — Main Gearbox Magnetic Plug — Replacement | RegNotify

Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD 2018-0176

Main Rotor Drive — Main Gearbox Magnetic Plug — Replacement

Published: Aug 21, 2018
Effective: Sep 4, 2018
Deadline: Jul 4, 2019

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

What to do

Operators must replace each affected magnetic plug with the improved part within 110 flight hours or 10 months from the effective date of 4 September 2018, whichever occurs first. After modification, installation of affected parts on the helicopter is prohibited. Compliance must follow the instructions in the applicable Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletins.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0176 is an AD issued for Airbus Helicopters SA 365, AS 365, and EC155 models. It mandates the replacement of certain magnetic plugs installed in the main gearbox pump intake with improved non-electrical magnetic plugs. This directive applies to all serial numbers except those with specific Airbus Helicopters modifications 0763B19 or 0763C96 already embodied.

What changed

This new AD introduces a requirement to replace affected electrical or non-electrical magnetic plugs with an improved non-electrical magnetic plug to enhance the detection capability of the main gearbox lubrication system. It follows previous ADs related to similar safety concerns and is considered an interim action pending further directives.

Why it matters

This AD is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent potential main gearbox failures by improving chip detection in the lubrication system. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and operational safety of the affected helicopter models, reducing the risk of accidents related to undetected gearbox issues.

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