EASA AD 2023-0028
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2023-0214
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0028 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 models with modification 074581 embodied in production. The directive addresses inspection requirements for the rear transmission shaft bearing support rivets and local structure to prevent failure of the tail rotor drive shaft and loss of yaw control. It includes instructions for inspecting rivet conditions and paint presence on the tail boom corner support.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0028 supersedes the previous AD 2021-0283R1 and introduces a one-time inspection for paint presence on the tail boom gutter area, with removal if paint is found. It retains previous repetitive inspection requirements for rivets and adds updated inspection instructions due to paint potentially masking cracks. The directive is considered an interim action pending further investigation.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to ensure the structural integrity of the rear transmission bearing support on EC 130 T2 helicopters. Failure to detect rivet degradation or paint masking cracks could lead to tail rotor drive shaft failure and loss of helicopter yaw control, posing serious safety risks. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory adherence.
What To Do
Operators must perform repetitive inspections of rivets and local structure before next flight or within specified flight hour intervals, inspect for paint presence within 10 flight hours or 7 days of the AD effective date, and remove paint if detected. Any cracks or rivet issues require contacting Airbus Helicopters for approved repair instructions and prompt corrective action. Inspection findings of rivet issues must be reported to Airbus Helicopters within 30 days after rivet replacement.
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