EASA AD 2021-0215-E
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2026-0039
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0215-E is an emergency directive addressing safety concerns for Airbus Helicopters EC 175 B models. It mandates inspections and potential replacement of specific tail rotor pitch rods identified by part numbers M642A10T1005 and M642A10T1005E due to reported severe damage and abnormal vibrations during flight. This directive aims to prevent loss of helicopter control by ensuring the integrity of these critical components.
What Changed
This directive introduces mandatory repetitive inspections of the affected tail rotor pitch rods within 10 flight hours of the effective date and at intervals not exceeding 55 flight hours thereafter. It also requires replacement of any parts found with sensitive play beyond specified limits and sets criteria for installation of serviceable parts. The directive supersedes the previous Airworthiness Limitation Section task related to these inspections.
Why It Matters
For aviation professionals, this directive is critical to maintaining flight safety and regulatory compliance for EC 175 B helicopters. Operators and maintenance organizations must implement the enhanced inspection procedures to detect potential failures early and avoid in-flight control issues. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and prevents operational disruptions due to unexpected component failures.
What To Do
Operators must inspect all affected tail rotor pitch rods within 10 flight hours from 23 September 2021 and repeat inspections every 55 flight hours. Any part exhibiting sensitive play must be replaced with a serviceable part following the Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin EC175-05A037. Installation of only serviceable tail rotor pitch rods is permitted from the effective date onward.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.