EASA AD 2020-0150
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2022-0117
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0150 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting SAFRAN Helicopter Engines RTM 322-01/9 engines, commonly installed on NH Industries NH90 military helicopters. This directive mandates compliance with updated airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks as specified in the SAFRAN RTM 322-01/9 Engine Maintenance Manual Airworthiness Limitations Section approved on 30 September 2019.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0150 introduces new and more restrictive maintenance tasks, including repetitive borescope inspections of the combustion chamber, which were added to the Airworthiness Limitations Section. It requires operators to replace components before exceeding life limits and to perform all applicable maintenance tasks within specified thresholds and intervals. The directive also mandates revising the approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme within 12 months to incorporate these updated limitations and tasks.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because failure to comply with the updated maintenance instructions could result in unsafe engine conditions. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure that the RTM 322-01/9 engines continue to meet mandatory airworthiness requirements, thereby maintaining safety and regulatory compliance. The directive also streamlines compliance recording by allowing AMP revisions to demonstrate ongoing adherence to the AD requirements.
What To Do
Affected operators must replace engine components before exceeding life limits and perform all maintenance tasks as specified in the updated Airworthiness Limitations Section starting from 22 July 2020. They must revise the approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme within 12 months of the effective date to include the new tasks and limitations. In case of discrepancies found during inspections, corrective actions must be taken within specified compliance times or before the next flight if no time is given.
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