Fuselage — Main Gearbox Bracket Bolts — Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2018-0152
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Airbus Helicopters AS 350, EC 130, and AS 355 models must inspect the specified main gearbox bracket bolts within the compliance times outlined, generally before exceeding 1,200 flight hours or within 165 flight hours or 12 months after reaching 1,035 flight hours. If bolt heads are missing, corrective actions include bolt replacement or modification per Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletins. Installation of affected or modified bolts is restricted based on helicopter modification status. Compliance must be achieved by 14 July 2022.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0128 is an airworthiness directive addressing inspection requirements for main gearbox bracket bolts on Airbus Helicopters AS 350, EC 130, and AS 355 models. It targets specific affected bolts with part numbers 22201BC080020L, 22201BC080021L, and 22201BC080022L to prevent potential separation of suspension-bar fittings. The directive mandates inspections and corrective actions to ensure continued airworthiness and safety.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0128 supersedes the previous AD 2018-0152 and retains its inspection requirements while refining applicability to certain helicopters only. It introduces specific installation requirements prohibiting concurrent installation of affected and modified bolts and provides instructions for modification using Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletins. The directive also clarifies corrective actions based on inspection findings and updates compliance timelines.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk involving potential loss of the main rotor assembly due to bolt head separation. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent in-flight failures that could lead to loss of power transmission. Ensuring compliance helps maintain aircraft airworthiness and avoids operational disruptions or accidents.
More for Airbus Helicopters AS 350
All 99- EASA AD 2025-0159R1Placards and Markings – Unlock Sliding Door – InstallationOct 19, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0052R2Instruments – Fuse Cover Attachment of Circuit Breaker Panel – ModificationSep 24, 2026
- EASA AD 2023-0214R1Fuselage – Tail Rotor Drive Shaft / Rear Transmission Bearing Support – Inspections / ModificationSep 16, 2026
- EASA AD 2024-0144R1Tail Rotor Drive – Shaft-Line – Check / Measurement / ModificationSep 16, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0146
Get the next one by email
New ADs and bulletins for Airbus Helicopters AS 350, Helicopters EC 130 and Helicopters AS 355, summarized like this page, every Monday.