Tail Rotor — Drive Shaft — Inspection / Test
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Leonardo AB206A and AB206B helicopters must perform detailed inspections and proof load tests of affected tail rotor driveshafts within 75 flight hours or 3 months from 30 November 2022, whichever occurs first, and repeat these inspections every 300 flight hours or 12 months. Any damaged or discrepant driveshaft must be replaced before further flight. Installation of affected parts is allowed only if they are serviceable and inspected as required.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0221 is an airworthiness directive addressing Leonardo AB206A and AB206B helicopters equipped with specific tail rotor driveshafts. It mandates inspections and tests of the tail rotor driveshafts to detect disbonded adapters that could lead to part failure and loss of helicopter control. The directive applies to driveshafts with specified part numbers and requires compliance to ensure continued airworthiness.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0221 introduces mandatory repetitive inspections and proof load tests of affected tail rotor driveshafts on AB206 helicopters. It requires replacement of any driveshaft found with bond line damage or discrepancies during testing. The directive also sets criteria for installation of serviceable parts and establishes inspection intervals.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential unsafe condition that could cause tail rotor driveshaft failure and loss of control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure safety and regulatory conformity. The inspections and corrective actions help prevent in-flight failures and maintain helicopter reliability.
More for Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters AB206
All 5- EASA AD 2024-0109-CNCANCELLED: Flight Controls — Tail Rotor Control Tube — Inspection / ReplacementJun 6, 2024
- EASA AD 2019-0178-EMain Rotor — Main Rotor Blades — InspectionJul 19, 2019
- EASA AD 2018-0175-EEngine — Power Turbine Limitations — Operational LimitationAug 15, 2018
- EASA AD 2018-0028Main Rotor Drive — Freewheel Lubrication System — Modification / Inspection / CleaningJan 30, 2018
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