EASA AD 2023-0090
Rotors Flight Control — Tail Rotor Actuator — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0090 is an airworthiness directive issued by EASA affecting Airbus Helicopters AS 365 and SA 365 models, specifically the SA 365 N, SA 365 N1, AS 365 N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters. The directive addresses inspection requirements for tail rotor actuators with part numbers 704A47135036 or 704A47135059 to ensure safe flight control. It mandates a one-time inspection of the tail rotor actuator harness and cable tie installation to prevent potential loss of yaw control.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0090 introduces a new mandatory inspection requirement for the tail rotor actuator harness positioning and cable tie installation on certain Airbus Helicopters AS 365 and SA 365 models. This directive requires operators to inspect within 165 flight hours and perform corrective actions if any issues are found. It is a new regulation and does not supersede any previous directives.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety issue where interference between the tail rotor actuator harness cable tie and tail gearbox cowling pin fastener could block tail rotor pedal control. Failure to comply could result in loss of yaw control, posing a significant flight safety risk. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure timely inspections and corrective actions to maintain airworthiness and regulatory compliance.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus Helicopters AS 365 and SA 365 models must perform a one-time inspection of the tail rotor actuator harness cable tie positioning within 165 flight hours from 18 May 2023. If the yaw harness is found movable under the affected part, corrective actions must be completed before the next flight. Compliance with Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS365-22.00.17 is required to fulfill the inspection and corrective action procedures.
Your fleet's weekly compliance brief
AI-summarized regulatory changes, compliance deadlines, and action items — filtered to your aircraft, every Monday.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.