EASA AD 2020-0161-E
Engine — Stage 3 Turbine Wheels — Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0161-E is an emergency directive addressing the replacement of Stage 3 turbine wheels on SAFRAN Helicopter Engines ASTAZOU XIV B and XIV H engines. These engines are commonly installed on Airbus Helicopters SA 319 B (Alouette III) and SA 342 J (Gazelle) models. The directive targets specific turbine wheels with part number 0265257050 and certain serial numbers due to detected material defects.
What Changed
This new emergency airworthiness directive requires the identification and replacement of affected Stage 3 turbine wheels that exhibit material non-conformities. It prohibits the installation of these affected parts on any engine and mandates replacement within 25 flight hours for engines currently equipped with the defective wheels. The directive introduces mandatory compliance with SAFRAN Helicopter Engines Mandatory Service Bulletin 283 72 0814.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because the affected turbine wheels have a risk of failure that could release high-energy debris, potentially damaging the helicopter and compromising flight safety. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and avoid operational disruptions. Compliance teams need to track affected engines and parts to meet regulatory requirements promptly.
What To Do
Operators with Group 1 engines, those fitted with affected turbine wheels, must replace these parts with serviceable ones within 25 flight hours from 20 July 2020. From the effective date, no affected turbine wheels may be installed on any engine. Maintenance personnel should follow the instructions detailed in SAFRAN Helicopter Engines Mandatory Service Bulletin 283 72 0814 to perform replacements correctly.
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