Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD 2022-0130-E

Main Rotor — Hub Sleeves — Inspection

Published: Jun 30, 2022
Effective: Jul 1, 2022
Deadline: Jul 1, 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 perform a detailed visual inspection of the affected main rotor hub sleeves at the next pre-flight check after 1 July 2022. If paint flaking or touch-up is found, additional inspections before the next flight are required. Subsequent inspections and corrective actions, including high-frequency eddy-current and fluorescent penetrant inspections, must be completed within specified flight hour or calendar time limits. Any detected cracks require immediate part replacement before further flight.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0130-E is an emergency directive addressing the inspection of main rotor hub sleeves, part number 332A31-3071-00, installed on Airbus Helicopters EC 225 LP models. The directive mandates inspections and corrective actions to detect and mitigate fatigue cracks caused by corrosion pits on these components. It applies to all EC 225 LP helicopters regardless of serial number.

What changed

This new emergency airworthiness directive introduces mandatory one-time detailed visual inspections of the affected main rotor hub sleeves, followed by high-frequency eddy-current and fluorescent penetrant inspections if no cracks are initially found. It also requires corrective actions including corrosion removal, protective coating, repetitive inspections, and replacement of cracked parts. The directive establishes clear compliance timelines and inspection intervals to ensure continued airworthiness.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential structural failure risk that could lead to catastrophic helicopter loss. Operators and maintenance organizations must implement the inspection and corrective procedures promptly to maintain safety and regulatory compliance. Failure to comply may result in grounding of aircraft and increased operational risk.

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