EASA AD 2022-0086
Rotors Flight Control — Tail Rotor Actuator — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0086 is an airworthiness directive addressing the inspection of the tail rotor actuator (TRA) on Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopters. It mandates repetitive inspections of the bolts connecting the cardan-pivot joint with the piston rod of the TRA to detect wear and prevent potential bolt failure. The directive applies to all serial numbers of the MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopter model.
What Changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2019-0313 and introduces updated inspection and (re)assembly procedures for the affected tail rotor actuator parts. It requires repetitive inspections at specified flight hour intervals and provides detailed corrective actions based on measured bolt wear. Additionally, it references an optional terminating action involving bolt and washer replacement or approved repairs.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent potential loss of helicopter control due to bolt failure in the tail rotor actuator. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and safety. The updated inspection intervals and corrective actions help manage risks associated with bolt wear and improve reliability of the flight control system.
What To Do
Operators of MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopters must inspect the affected tail rotor actuator bolts before 330 flight hours since installation or last inspection, and thereafter every 300 flight hours. If bolt wear is detected, specific corrective actions including bolt and washer replacement or contacting Airbus Helicopters Deutschland for repair instructions must be followed before further flight. Compliance with these inspections and corrective actions is mandatory from 27 May 2022.
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