Time Limits / Maintenance Checks – Main Gearbox / Particle Detectors – Inspection
Superseded. Comply with 2021-0239, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2018-0065
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must inspect the main gearbox particle detector during each after last flight (ALF) inspection or every 10 flight hours, whichever occurs first, starting from 30 March 2018. Additionally, they must perform inspections of the main gearbox bottom housing within 45 flight hours after 27 December 2018 and repeat every 45 flight hours thereafter. If particles are detected, analysis and corrective actions must be completed before the next flight.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0272 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters SA 330 J models. It mandates inspections of the main gearbox particle detectors and bottom housing (oil sump) to detect potential failures of the second stage planet gear, which could lead to loss of helicopter control.
What changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2018-0065 and introduces repetitive inspections of the main gearbox bottom housing (oil sump) in addition to the existing particle detector inspections. It also requires analysis and corrective actions if particles exceeding specified limits are found, enhancing safety measures pending development of a more effective detection method.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential catastrophic failure mode in the SA 330 J helicopter main gearbox. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and prevent loss of control incidents, thereby maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.
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