Main Rotor Drive – Main Gearbox Top Sensor / Main Rotor Mast Lubrication System – Inspection
Superseded. Comply with 2020-0042, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2019-0003
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Airbus Helicopters EC 175 B must perform visual inspections of the main gearbox top sensor within 10 flight hours after 25 January 2019 and repeat every 10 flight hours if affected parts are installed. Additionally, a one-time inspection of the main rotor mast lubrication system must be completed within 400 flight hours or 6 months after 30 July 2019. Any defects found require replacement of the main gearbox and main rotor mast assembly with serviceable parts before further flight.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0169 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting all Airbus Helicopters EC 175 B models. It addresses potential safety issues related to the main gearbox top sensor and main rotor mast lubrication system. The directive mandates inspections and corrective actions to prevent mast bearing seizure and possible loss of helicopter control.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0169 supersedes AD 2019-0003 and introduces a one-time inspection of the main rotor mast lubrication system for foreign objects, in addition to retaining repetitive inspections of the main gearbox top sensor. It provides updated inspection instructions and defines terminating actions that eliminate the need for further repetitive inspections once completed.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk caused by foreign object debris in the main gearbox that can lead to mast bearing failure and potential loss of control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and safe operation of affected EC 175 B helicopters. Compliance helps prevent in-flight failures and enhances reliability of the main rotor drive system.
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- EASA PAD 26-026
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