Tail Rotor – Hub Body – Inspection / Replacement
Superseded. Comply with 2024-0209, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2019-0272R1
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Airbus Helicopters EC 120 B must perform initial and repetitive inspections of the tail rotor hub body within 15 flight hours or 7 days after the original AD effective date, and thereafter at specified intervals. They must also conduct detailed inspections of the interface with the splined flange and replace bolts, washers, nuts, and affected parts as required. Compliance with these actions is mandatory from 25 March 2021, the effective date of this AD.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0069 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting all Airbus Helicopters EC 120 B helicopters. It addresses safety concerns related to the tail rotor hub body, specifically Part Number C642A0100103, requiring inspections and possible replacement to prevent loss of yaw control due to cracks and fretting. The directive mandates repetitive inspections and replacement of affected parts and associated hardware to ensure continued airworthiness.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0069 supersedes the previous AD 2019-0272R1 and introduces additional detailed inspections of the interface between the tail rotor hub body and the splined flange to detect fretting. It retains the previous inspection and replacement requirements while adding new repetitive detailed inspections and corrective actions based on findings.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential unsafe condition that could lead to loss of tail rotor drive and yaw control, posing a significant safety risk. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure the integrity of the tail rotor assembly, prevent in-flight failures, and maintain regulatory compliance. Timely inspections and replacements reduce the risk of accidents and ensure continued safe operation of affected helicopters.
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- EASA AD 2024-0209Tail Rotor — Hub Body — Inspection / Replacement
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