Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD 2021-0050

Tail Rotor — Blades — Replacement / Re-identification

Published: Feb 23, 2021
Effective: Mar 9, 2021
Deadline: Mar 9, 2022

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What to do

Operators must determine the time in service for affected tail rotor blades within 12 months of the directive's effective date or before the blades exceed 6,800 flight hours. Group 1 helicopter operators must replace certain tail rotor blades within this timeframe. Installation of old part number blades on Group 1 helicopters is prohibited from the effective date. For Group 2 helicopters, installation is allowed under specific conditions related to flight hours and time in service determination.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0050 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH EC135 and EC635 helicopter models. It addresses the replacement and re-identification of tail rotor blades and head assemblies with specific part numbers due to a reduced life limit established for certain blades operated on higher-load Group 1 helicopters. The directive applies to all variants and serial numbers of the specified helicopter models.

What changed

This directive introduces a reduced life limit for tail rotor blades installed on Group 1 helicopters (EC135 P3, T3, EC635 P3, T3) due to higher operational loads. It requires recalculation of time in service for affected parts, prohibits installation of certain old part numbers on Group 1 helicopters, and mandates replacement of blades before exceeding 6,800 flight hours. It also provides instructions for re-identification of old part numbers to new ones and conditions for installation on Group 2 helicopters.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals because failure to comply with the reduced life limits could lead to tail rotor blade failure and potential loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure accurate tracking and recalculation of flight hours on affected parts to maintain airworthiness. Compliance ensures continued safe operation and adherence to regulatory requirements, avoiding grounding or unsafe conditions.

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