Tail Rotor – Pitch Control Rod Bearing – Inspection / Replacement
Superseded. Comply with 2023-0001, 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 perform magnetic plug inspections within 25 flight hours from the last inspection and then every 10 flight hours thereafter, following the Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletins SA365-05.35 and AS365-05.00.83. If particle contamination exceeds limits, immediate replacement of the tail gearbox is required before next flight. Metallurgical analysis of particles must be conducted within 25 flight hours if contamination is within limits, with part replacement mandated if M50 material particles are found.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0038 is an airworthiness directive issued for Airbus Helicopters SA 365 C1, C2, C3 and AS 365 N models. It addresses the inspection and replacement of tail rotor pitch control rod dual bearings, specifically part number 360A33-4052-00, to prevent potential loss of yaw control due to bearing degradation. The directive mandates repetitive inspections of the tail rotor gearbox magnetic plug and corrective actions based on particle contamination findings.
What changed
This directive introduces mandatory repetitive inspections of the tail rotor gearbox magnetic plug at reduced intervals and new criteria for particle assessment. It requires replacement of the tail gearbox or dual bearing if contamination exceeds defined limits or if specific material particles are detected. The AD is considered an interim action with potential for further regulatory updates.
Why it matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential unsafe condition that could lead to loss of yaw control in affected helicopters. Operators and maintenance organizations must implement the inspection and replacement procedures to ensure continued airworthiness and compliance with EU regulations. Failure to comply could result in unsafe flight conditions and regulatory penalties.
More for Airbus Helicopters SA
All 58- EASA AD 2026-0195Tail Rotor Drive – Tail Gear Box Control Rod Bearings – Replacement / Life LimitationOct 13, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-105Tail Rotor Drive – Tail Gear Box Control Rod Bearings – Replacement / Life LimitationSep 11, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0118Rotors Flight Control – Tail Rotor Actuator – InspectionJun 22, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0029Tail Rotor Drive — Tail Gear Box Input Flange — Functional ChecksFeb 12, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-017Powerplant — Engine Firewalls — Modification
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