Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD 2020-0021

Tail Rotor — Tail Rotor Hub Pitch Control Rod — Inspection / Replacement

Published: Feb 6, 2020
Effective: Feb 20, 2020
Deadline: Feb 20, 2020
Replaces: F-2004-031 R1
Replaces: F-2004-031

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What to do

Operators of Airbus Helicopters AS 332 C, C1, L, and L1 must inspect affected tail rotor hub assemblies within 10 flight hours after 28 February 2004 and at intervals not exceeding 10 flight hours. If hydraulic leaks are found, the pitch control rod bearing must be replaced within 25 flight hours. Helicopters meeting certain criteria must replace the bearing within 20 flight hours after 28 February 2004. Installing the improved assemblies via modification 07 66205 terminates the need for repetitive inspections. Compliance with these actions is mandatory from the effective date of 20 February 2020.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0021 is an airworthiness directive addressing the tail rotor hub pitch control rod on Airbus Helicopters AS 332 C, C1, L, and L1 models. It mandates inspections and potential replacement of affected tail rotor hub assemblies with part numbers 332A33-0001-05 or 332A33-0001-06 to prevent loss of yaw control due to hydraulic fluid contamination. The directive also introduces a modification with improved assemblies to terminate repetitive inspections.

What changed

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0021 supersedes the previous DGAC France AD F-2004-031 R1 and retains its inspection and replacement requirements. It introduces Airbus Helicopters modification 07 66205, which installs improved tail rotor hub assemblies with hydraulic fluid leak-proof bearings as a terminating action for repetitive inspections. Editorial changes were made without affecting compliance requirements.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk involving potential yaw control failure caused by hydraulic fluid leaks in the tail rotor hub assembly. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain helicopter airworthiness and prevent in-flight control issues. The directive also provides a clear path to terminating repetitive inspections through a specific modification, aiding maintenance planning and cost management.

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