Fuselage — Cowlings and Fairings — Inspection / Modification
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2017-0055
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must inspect the MGB fixed cowling front fittings within 110 flight hours after 14 April 2017 if not previously done, and perform any necessary repairs before the next flight. Additionally, the MGB fixed cowling attachments must be modified within 660 flight hours or 23 months from 5 February 2019, whichever occurs first. Completing the modification within the inspection compliance time also satisfies the inspection requirement. Stakeholders should refer to the applicable Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletins for detailed instructions.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0008 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters SA 365, AS 365, and EC 155 models. It addresses the inspection and modification requirements for the main gearbox (MGB) fixed cowling attachments to prevent in-flight loss of engine and MGB cowlings. The directive applies to specific serial numbers except those already incorporating certain Airbus Helicopters modifications.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0008 supersedes the previous AD 2017-0055 and retains its inspection requirements while introducing a new mandatory modification to the MGB fixed cowling attachments. This modification enhances the primary attachment system by adding an additional locking mechanism to provide redundancy and improve safety. The directive updates compliance requirements by setting new deadlines for inspections and modifications.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because failure to comply could result in detachment of engine or MGB cowlings during flight, potentially causing damage to the helicopter, loss of control, or injury to people on the ground. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure timely inspections and modifications to maintain airworthiness and regulatory compliance. The directive also provides clear guidance on corrective actions if discrepancies are found during inspections.
More for Airbus Helicopters SA
All 58- EASA AD 2026-0195Tail Rotor Drive – Tail Gear Box Control Rod Bearings – Replacement / Life LimitationOct 13, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-105Tail Rotor Drive – Tail Gear Box Control Rod Bearings – Replacement / Life LimitationSep 11, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0118Rotors Flight Control – Tail Rotor Actuator – InspectionJun 22, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0029Tail Rotor Drive — Tail Gear Box Input Flange — Functional ChecksFeb 12, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-017Powerplant — Engine Firewalls — Modification
Get the next one by email
New ADs and bulletins for Airbus Helicopters SA, Helicopters AS 365, Helicopters EC 155 and Helicopters SA 365, summarized like this page, every Monday.