Rotor Drive – Main Gearbox Magnetic Plugs – Inspection
Superseded. Comply with 2026-0039, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Airbus Helicopters EC 175 B must inspect the main gearbox magnetic plugs within 10 flight hours or 50 flight hours after the last inspection, whichever occurs first, following the instructions in Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC175-05A021. Inspections must then be repeated every 10 flight hours. If particles are found during inspections, corrective actions specified in the service bulletin must be completed within the prescribed compliance times.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0177 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters EC 175 B models. It mandates repetitive inspections of the main gearbox magnetic plugs to detect particle contamination that could indicate unsafe wear. The directive aims to enhance safety by reducing inspection intervals and updating acceptance criteria for particle assessment.
What changed
This directive introduces reduced inspection intervals for the main gearbox magnetic plugs on EC 175 B helicopters and updates the particle assessment criteria. It aligns maintenance instructions with precautionary measures to ensure earlier detection of potential gearbox wear damage. The directive requires inspections within 10 flight hours or 50 flight hours after the last inspection and then every 10 flight hours thereafter.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent potential main gearbox failures by ensuring timely detection of wear through magnetic plug inspections. Compliance helps maintain the continuing airworthiness of EC 175 B helicopters and avoids unsafe conditions that could lead to in-flight failures. It also ensures adherence to European aviation safety regulations, avoiding operational restrictions or penalties.
More for Airbus Helicopters EC175
All 73- EASA AD 2026-0179Tail Rotor – Tail Rotor Blade – Service Life Limit Amendment / ReplacementSep 18, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-090Tail Rotor – Tail Rotor Blade – Service Life Limit Amendment / ReplacementJul 24, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0110[Correction] Fuselage – Screws and Nuts installed on Firewalls – InspectionJun 10, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0039Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — Airworthiness Limitations Section — AmendmentFeb 27, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-026
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