EASA AD 2020-0132R1
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2022-0099
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0132R1 is an updated safety directive addressing the horizontal stabilizer attachment bolts on Airbus Helicopters EC175 B models. It applies to all serial numbers except those with modification 99A05341 installed in production. The directive mandates inspections, life limit recalculations, and modifications to prevent potential in-flight loss of the horizontal stabilizer.
What Changed
This revision excludes helicopters with modification 99A05341 from applicability, reflecting the permanent resolution of the unsafe condition by this modification. It corrects affected part numbers for post-modification stabilizers and updates inspection and replacement requirements accordingly. The directive also supersedes previous ADs including 2018-0113 and 2016 series ADs related to this issue.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to ensure the structural integrity of the horizontal stabilizer attachment, preventing potential catastrophic failure and loss of control. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory conformity, avoiding operational disruptions and enhancing flight safety. It also clarifies maintenance intervals and life limits for affected components.
What To Do
Operators must perform repetitive inspections of the affected bolts and stabilizer attachment areas within specified flight hour intervals, recalculate service life of affected fittings, and replace parts before exceeding defined life limits. Placards reducing the never-exceed speed must be installed, and the Rotorcraft Flight Manual amended accordingly. Compliance deadlines include immediate actions within 10 flight hours after specified effective dates and ongoing inspections at intervals not exceeding 10 flight hours.
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