EASA AD 2023-0036
Main Rotor — Hub Scissors Assembly / Attachment Bolts — Inspection / Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0036 is an airworthiness directive addressing the inspection and replacement of main rotor hub scissors assembly attachment bolts on Airbus Helicopters EC 120 B models. It applies to all serial numbers of the EC 120 B helicopter and focuses on bolts with part numbers C623A2110104 and C623A2110105. The directive mandates inspections, markings, and potential replacement or modification of affected parts to ensure continued airworthiness.
What Changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2021-0046 and updates the definition of affected parts to include bolts installed on assemblies with specific part numbers. It introduces an optional modification involving replacement of scissors links fitted with CARBIDE bushes by improved links with AMPEP bushes, which serves as terminating action for repetitive inspections. Additionally, it prohibits installation of certain main rotor hub scissors assemblies on helicopters with specific configurations.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because failure to detect and correct corrosion or damage in the main rotor hub scissors attachment bolts could lead to bolt detachment and potentially complete loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent unsafe conditions and ensure regulatory compliance. The directive also clarifies inspection intervals and corrective actions, impacting maintenance planning and parts management.
What To Do
Operators must inspect affected bolts within 50 flight hours after the original effective dates of previous ADs and apply red line markings by 26 February 2021, continuing inspections every 15 flight hours or 7 days thereafter. If discrepancies are found, bolts must be removed and repaired or replaced before further flight. Modification by replacing scissors links with AMPEP bushes as per the specified service bulletin is optional but terminates repetitive inspections. Installation restrictions on certain assemblies must be observed from the effective date of this AD.
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