Fuselage — Tailboom Attachment — Inspection / Replacement
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2022-0035
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must inspect and replace the upper left-hand tailboom attachment bolt with a serviceable part and inspect the other bolts and all barrel nuts for corrosion or damage within 25 flight hours or 3 months from the effective date, whichever occurs first. Torque checks must be performed within 5 flight hours after any replacement or tailboom installation. Any corrosion, damage, or torque discrepancies require immediate corrective action before further flight.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0046 is an airworthiness directive addressing inspection and replacement requirements for the tailboom attachment bolts and barrel nuts on Leonardo S.p.A. AB212, AB412, and AB412EP helicopters. The directive targets potential cracks and fractures in these components that could compromise the tailboom attachment. It applies to all serial numbers of the affected helicopter models.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0046 supersedes AD 2022-0035 by expanding the scope to include all tailboom attachment bolts and barrel nuts regardless of part number. It removes the previous limitation to specific part numbers and requires inspections and replacements on any installed bolts and nuts. This AD retains the inspection, replacement, and torque check requirements but broadens applicability to ensure no affected parts are excluded.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because undetected cracks or fractures in tailboom attachment components can lead to tailboom failure and loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft safety and airworthiness. The expanded scope means more parts must be inspected, increasing the importance of thorough maintenance and record-keeping.
More for Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters AB212
All 20- EASA AD 2026-0175Rotor(s) – Main Rotor Yoke – InspectionSep 10, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-094Rotor(s) – Main Rotor Yoke – InspectionAug 11, 2026
- EASA AD 2015-0226R8Equipment / Furnishings — Hoist — Test / ReplacementJul 16, 2025
- EASA AD 2024-0228[Correction] Equipment / Furnishings — Hoist — InspectionMay 30, 2025
- EASA AD US-2024-20-07Equipment / Furnishings - Emergency Float Kit Activation Handle - Repetitive Inspections / ReplacementNov 29, 2024
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