Fuselage – Rear Transmission Bearing Support – Inspection
Superseded. Comply with 2023-0214, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2021-0283R1
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
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.
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.
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- 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
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