Main Rotor Drive — Main Gear Box Engine Coupling — Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must inspect the main gear box engine coupling installation within 165 flight hours or 13 months from 11 July 2023, whichever occurs first. If an incorrect installation is detected, corrective actions must be completed before the next flight. Additionally, inspection results indicating incorrect installation must be reported to Airbus Helicopters within 30 days of inspection or after the effective date, whichever is later.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0127 is a mandatory safety directive addressing Airbus Helicopters EC 130 T2, EC 130 B4, and AS 350 series helicopters. It requires inspection of the main gear box engine coupling installation to detect inverted engine flange installations that could compromise power transmission to the main rotor. The directive applies to helicopters manufactured before specific dates in 2023 and aims to prevent potential loss of helicopter control.
What changed
This new directive introduces a one-time inspection requirement for the main gear box engine coupling installation on affected Airbus Helicopters EC 130 and AS 350 models. It mandates corrective actions if an incorrect installation is found and requires reporting inspection results to Airbus Helicopters. No previous airworthiness directives are superseded by this AD.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because incorrect installation of the engine flange on the main gear box can lead to loss of power transmission and possible loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft safety and airworthiness. Timely inspections and corrective actions help prevent in-flight failures and enhance operational reliability.
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