Airworthiness DirectiveSupersededEASA AD 2022-0069

Tail Rotor Drive – Fan Assembly – Inspection

Superseded. Comply with 2022-0180, which replaces this document.

Published: Apr 19, 2022
Effective: May 3, 2022
Deadline: May 3, 2022

Airbus Helicopters AS 355

AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.

What to do

Operators of Airbus Helicopters AS 355 series must inspect affected fan support parts within 50 flight hours or 6 months from the effective date of 2022-05-03, whichever occurs first, and continue inspections at the same intervals. If any cracks or broken legs are found, the affected parts must be replaced with serviceable parts before the next flight. Installation of affected parts is prohibited from the effective date, and modification of the helicopter as specified terminates the need for further repetitive inspections.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0069 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters AS 355 series, including AS 355 E, F, F1, F2, and N models. The directive addresses inspection and replacement requirements for specific right-hand and left-hand fan support parts identified by part numbers 355A34-1041-05, 355A34-1041-03, 355A34-1040-05, and 355A34-1040-03. It aims to prevent potential failure of the tail rotor drive and main gearbox oil cooling function due to broken fan support legs.

What changed

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0069 introduces mandatory repetitive inspections of the legs of affected fan support parts and requires replacement with serviceable parts if cracks or breaks are found. It prohibits the installation of affected fan supports on any helicopter and establishes modification as a terminating action for repetitive inspections. This directive is an interim safety measure pending further regulatory action.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk that could lead to loss of helicopter control due to failure of the tail rotor drive and engine oil cooling. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and avoid potential accidents. Compliance teams need to track inspection intervals and part replacements to meet regulatory requirements and ensure continued safe operation.

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