Airworthiness DirectiveSupersededEASA AD 2019-0139

Main Rotor – Hub Scissors / Attachment Bolts – Inspection / Replacement

Superseded. Comply with 2021-0046, which replaces this document.

Published: Jun 12, 2019
Effective: Jun 26, 2019
Deadline: Jun 26, 2019
Replaces: 2018-0186

Airbus Helicopters EC 120 B

AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.

What to do

Operators must inspect each affected main rotor hub scissors attachment bolt within 50 flight hours after 5 September 2018 and apply required markings within 50 flight hours after 26 June 2019. Repetitive inspections must be conducted every 15 flight hours or during 7-day checks as defined in the Aircraft Maintenance Manual. Any discrepancies found during inspections require immediate removal of affected parts and contacting Airbus Helicopters for approved repair instructions. Findings must be reported to Airbus Helicopters within 30 days after the initial inspection.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0139 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting all Airbus Helicopters EC 120 B helicopters. It addresses the inspection and replacement requirements for main rotor hub scissors attachment bolts, specifically part number C623A21101, to prevent potential failure due to corrosion and mechanical stress. The directive mandates inspections, markings, and corrective actions to ensure continued safe operation of the affected helicopters.

What changed

This directive supersedes EASA AD 2018-0186 and introduces additional requirements including marking of affected parts and repetitive inspections to detect rotation of the main rotor hub scissors attachment bolts. It also incorporates updated inspection instructions from Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletins EC120-62A020 and EC120-05A019. The directive extends the scope of inspections and corrective actions to maintain airworthiness.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk that could lead to detachment of main rotor hub scissors attachment bolts, potentially causing complete loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent in-flight failures and ensure regulatory compliance. The directive helps maintain the structural integrity of the rotor system, thereby safeguarding flight safety and operational reliability.

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