Main Rotor – Hub Scissors / Attachment Bolts – Inspection / Replacement
Superseded. Comply with 2023-0036, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2019-0139
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must inspect affected bolts within 50 flight hours after 5 September 2018 and apply specified red line markings within 50 flight hours after 26 February 2021. Repetitive inspections are required every 15 flight hours or 7 days thereafter. Any discrepancies found must be addressed before the next flight by following approved repair instructions from Airbus Helicopters. Inspection results must be reported to Airbus Helicopters within 30 days of the initial inspection.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0046 is an airworthiness directive issued for Airbus Helicopters EC 120 B helicopters affecting the main rotor hub scissors attachment bolts, part number C623A21101. It mandates inspections and marking of these bolts to detect corrosion and rotation issues that could lead to bolt detachment and loss of helicopter control.
What changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2019-0139 and introduces additional red line markings on the nut side of the affected bolts, washers, scissor branch, and mast ring to improve detection of rotation. It also requires controlling the integrity of the pin to ensure it is not sheared, alongside retaining previous inspection and corrective action requirements.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk involving potential failure of main rotor hub scissors attachment bolts, which could cause loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance teams must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and prevent accidents related to bolt corrosion or damage.
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