Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD 2022-0104

Main Rotor — Mast / Screws / Cover Plate — Replacement / Inspection / Oil Sample Analysis

Published: Jun 9, 2022
Effective: Jun 23, 2022
Deadline: Jun 23, 2022

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

What to do

Operators of EC 225 LP helicopters must replace affected screws within 55 flight hours or 30 days after 23 June 2022, inspect affected cover plates within the same timeframe, and conduct main gearbox oil sample analyses within 110 flight hours or 3 months. If defects or water contamination are found, corrective actions including part replacement and detailed inspections by authorized Airbus Helicopters staff must be performed before further flight. Installation of affected parts is prohibited from the effective date.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0104 is an airworthiness directive applicable to all Airbus Helicopters EC 225 LP helicopters. It addresses issues related to the main rotor mast (MRM), specifically the mast screws and cover plate, requiring replacement, inspection, and oil sample analysis to ensure continued airworthiness. The directive aims to prevent corrosion and potential failure of critical parts in the main gearbox caused by water ingress due to improper installation of the MRM cover plate and incorrect screws.

What changed

This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory replacement of affected screws with serviceable ones, inspection of the MRM cover plate, and analysis of main gearbox oil samples. It also requires corrective actions such as cover plate replacement, detailed inspections, and possible main gearbox replacement if defects or water contamination are found. Additionally, it prohibits installation of affected screws and non-serviceable cover plates from the effective date.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk involving water ingress and corrosion in the main gearbox, which could lead to failure of essential helicopter components and loss of control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure the reliability and safety of EC 225 LP helicopters. Compliance helps prevent costly repairs and potential accidents by detecting and correcting unsafe conditions early.

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