Rotor Drive() – Tail Rotor Drive Flange – Inspection / Modification
Superseded. Comply with 2020-0287, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2019-0046
- Replaces
- 2014-0179R2
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must inspect the Shur-Lok nut within 110 flight hours after 1 August 2014 and perform corrective actions if discrepancies are found. Modifications to the main gearbox tail rotor drive flange must be completed within 600 flight hours or 12 months, depending on helicopter group classification. Additional modification actions apply to certain groups within the same compliance timeframe.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0212 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters SA 365, AS 365, and EC 155 models. It addresses the inspection and modification requirements for the tail rotor drive flange of the main gearbox to prevent loss of tightening torque of the Shur-Lok nut, which could lead to reduced tail rotor control and potential safety hazards.
What changed
EASA AD 2020-0212 supersedes previous directives 2014-0179R2 and 2019-0046, retaining their inspection requirements while mandating new modifications involving the installation of rear output stops with either 4 or 5 spigots on the tail rotor shaft flexible coupling. It introduces updated applicability groups and revised service bulletin references to cover additional helicopter models and configurations not previously addressed.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it ensures the continued airworthiness and safety of affected Airbus Helicopters by preventing potential tail rotor drive failures. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must adhere to these requirements to avoid in-flight control issues and to meet regulatory obligations under EU aviation safety regulations.
More for Airbus Helicopters SA
All 58- EASA AD 2026-0195Tail Rotor Drive – Tail Gear Box Control Rod Bearings – Replacement / Life LimitationOct 13, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-105Tail Rotor Drive – Tail Gear Box Control Rod Bearings – Replacement / Life LimitationSep 11, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0118Rotors Flight Control – Tail Rotor Actuator – InspectionJun 22, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0029Tail Rotor Drive — Tail Gear Box Input Flange — Functional ChecksFeb 12, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-017Powerplant — Engine Firewalls — Modification
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