Stabilizers – Vertical Fin – Inspection
Superseded. Comply with 2021-0099, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2017-0114
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must perform a visual inspection of the right-hand side of the vertical fin spar within 55 flight hours after 3 September 2020 or since the last inspection per the original service bulletin, and then every 10 flight hours thereafter. Additionally, cleaning and detailed inspections must be done within specified flight hour limits and repeated every 660 flight hours. Any discrepancies found require contacting Airbus Helicopters for approved repair instructions before further flight. An optional terminating modification is available for AS 350 B3 helicopters.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0186 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters AS 350 and AS 355 models. It addresses a safety concern related to cracks and fractured attachment screws in the upper vertical fin spar, which could lead to in-flight separation and loss of control. The directive mandates inspections and corrective actions to ensure continued airworthiness of these helicopters.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0186 supersedes AD 2017-0114 by reducing the inspection intervals and updating the inspection instructions for the vertical fin spar and attachment screws. It retains the previous inspection requirements but introduces more frequent visual inspections and detailed cleaning inspections to better detect potential cracks and damage.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams as it addresses a potentially catastrophic structural failure risk in the vertical fin of affected helicopters. Timely inspections and corrective actions help prevent in-flight separation of the fin, thereby enhancing flight safety and regulatory compliance. Failure to comply could result in grounding of aircraft or unsafe flight conditions.
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