Tail Rotor — Blades — Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2022-0150
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must perform dye penetrant inspections on affected tail rotor blades before they accumulate 660 flight hours since new or since the last dimensional check, or within 165 flight hours after 4 August 2022, whichever is later. If any cracks are found, the affected blade must be replaced with a serviceable part before the next flight. Compliance with the updated Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC130-05A041 Revision 1 is required.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0150R1 is a regulatory update addressing inspection requirements for tail rotor blades on Airbus Helicopters EC 130 B4 and EC 130 T2 models. It mandates repetitive dye penetrant inspections of specific tail rotor blade part numbers to detect fatigue cracks that could lead to blade failure and loss of helicopter control. The directive applies to all serial numbers of the affected helicopter models.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0150R1 revises the original AD 2022-0150 by removing inspection requirements that have been incorporated into the updated Aircraft Maintenance Manual Airworthiness Limitations Section. It updates compliance instructions and references the latest Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC130-05A041 Revision 1 dated 8 July 2024. Certain previous terminating actions and installation restrictions have been deleted in this revision.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it ensures the early detection of fatigue cracks in tail rotor blades, preventing potential blade failure and loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to maintain airworthiness and safety. The update clarifies inspection responsibilities and aligns regulatory requirements with the latest maintenance documentation, facilitating compliance and reducing redundant inspections.
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, Helicopters EC 130 B4 and Helicopters EC 130 T2, summarized like this page, every Monday.