Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD 2020-0105

Rotors Flight Control — Main Rotor Actuator Single-Axis Actuators — Inspection / Replacement

Published: May 11, 2020
Effective: May 23, 2020
Deadline: May 23, 2020
Replaces: 2019-0087-E

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

What to do

Operators of EC135 and EC635 helicopters must inspect affected single-axis actuators within 14 days if the part calendar age is 6 years or more, report inspection results within 7 days, and perform repetitive inspections or replace parts at intervals not exceeding 5 years. If corrosion or discrepancies are found, corrective actions or part replacement must be completed before the next flight. Installation of affected parts is only allowed if they are serviceable and inspected or replaced as required.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0105 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency concerning Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH EC135 and EC635 helicopter models. It addresses inspection and replacement requirements for main rotor actuator single-axis actuators with specific part numbers to ensure continued airworthiness and flight safety. The directive applies to all variants and serial numbers of the affected helicopter models.

What changed

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0105 supersedes the previous Emergency AD 2019-0087-E and introduces repetitive inspections or replacement requirements for all affected main rotor actuator single-axis parts. It provides detailed compliance timelines based on part calendar age and inspection results, and allows installation of affected parts only if they meet defined serviceability criteria. The directive also mandates reporting inspection results to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety issue involving potential rupture and displacement of the tie bar inside the piston of the longitudinal single-axis actuator, which could reduce helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent forced landings and possible injuries. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory adherence, minimizing operational risks and liability.

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