Tail Rotor — Blade — Life Limit / Re-identification
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must replace tail rotor blades with part numbers C642A0300104 or C642A0300105 before they exceed 8,500 flight hours since first installation. Re-identification of affected parts must be completed during the next tail rotor hub disassembly or within 1,000 flight hours after 11 September 2018, whichever is later. Additionally, any prior rework, repair, or modification must be reviewed within six months of the effective date, and no new work may be performed unless validated for the specified part number.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0183 is an airworthiness directive addressing tail rotor blades on Airbus Helicopters EC 120 B helicopters. It applies to tail rotor blades with part numbers C642A0300103, C642A0300104, and C642A0300105. The directive mandates re-identification and implementation of a new service life limit for certain tail rotor blades due to changes in manufacturing processes.
What changed
This directive introduces a mandatory service life limit of 8,500 flight hours for tail rotor blades with part numbers C642A0300104 and C642A0300105. It also requires re-identification of affected tail rotor blades that were improperly marked and mandates investigation and corrective actions for any prior rework, repair, or modification on these parts. Additionally, it prohibits installation of affected parts from the effective date onward unless compliant.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity and safety of the tail rotor blades on EC 120 B helicopters. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to prevent unsafe conditions that could arise from using blades beyond their approved service life or with incorrect identification. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and adherence to regulatory requirements.
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