Main Rotor – Damper Rod Ends – Inspection
Superseded. Comply with 2026-0039, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must inspect each affected damper rod end within the next scheduled 50 flight hours inspection after 21 December 2020 and continue inspections every 50 flight hours thereafter, following Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC175-05A035. Any non-conforming parts must be replaced with serviceable parts. Only serviceable damper rod ends may be installed from the effective date onward.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0269 is an airworthiness directive issued for Airbus Helicopters EC 175 B models equipped with main rotor elastomeric damper rod ends having part numbers M622G40T1015 or M622G40T1016. The directive mandates repetitive inspections of these damper rod ends to detect cracks that could lead to loss of damping function and potential loss of helicopter control. It provides inspection instructions and corrective actions to ensure continued airworthiness.
What changed
This directive introduces mandatory repetitive inspections of the main rotor elastomeric damper rod ends on EC 175 B helicopters and requires replacement of any affected parts found with defects. It also defines serviceable parts and restricts installation to only those parts that meet the serviceable criteria. This AD is an interim measure pending further regulatory action.
Why it matters
For aviation professionals, this directive is critical to prevent undetected cracks in damper rod ends that could cause ground or air resonance, risking helicopter control loss. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to maintain safety and regulatory compliance. The directive ensures that inspections are enhanced beyond previous maintenance instructions to catch defects earlier.
More for Airbus Helicopters EC175
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- EASA PAD 26-090Tail Rotor – Tail Rotor Blade – Service Life Limit Amendment / ReplacementJul 24, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0110[Correction] Fuselage – Screws and Nuts installed on Firewalls – InspectionJun 10, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0039Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — Airworthiness Limitations Section — AmendmentFeb 27, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-026
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