EASA AD 2018-0177
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2026-0039
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.
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.
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