Tail Rotor — Tail Rotor Blades — Inspection / Replacement
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2022-0169-E
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must perform a visual inspection of the root area of each affected tail rotor blade within specified compliance times based on flight hours accumulated. If linear indications are found, a dye penetrant inspection must be conducted before the next flight. Confirmed defective blades must be replaced with serviceable parts before further flight. Installation of affected parts is prohibited from the effective date of the directive.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0128-E is an emergency directive addressing inspection and replacement requirements for tail rotor blades on Airbus Helicopters SA 341 G and SA 342 J (Gazelle) models. It targets tail rotor blades with part numbers 341A33-5130-04 and 341A33-5130-06 due to identified manufacturing defects that pose a risk of crack propagation and potential in-flight loss. The directive mandates inspections and, if necessary, replacement of affected parts to ensure continued airworthiness.
What changed
This directive supersedes EASA Emergency AD 2022-0169-E and introduces an expanded scope including tail rotor blades that have accumulated more than 500 flight hours since new. It also revises the compliance time for visual inspections of the affected parts and retains most previous inspection and replacement requirements while updating the Airbus Helicopters service bulletin to Revision 2.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a significant safety risk related to tail rotor blade integrity on Gazelle helicopters. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent potential in-flight tail rotor blade failure, which could lead to loss of helicopter control. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory adherence, avoiding operational disruptions or safety incidents.
More for Airbus Helicopters SA 341
All 7- EASA SIB 2023-11Hand Fire Extinguisher (HFE) / Check of the absence of discharge of the HFEOct 24, 2023
- EASA AD 2023-0168Tail Rotor Drive — Transmission Inclined and Horizontal Drive Shaft — InspectionAug 31, 2023
- EASA AD 2023-0155Main Rotor — Main Rotor Blade Leading Edge Protection — InspectionJul 31, 2023
- EASA AD 2023-0002Rotors Flight Control — Pilot Collective Pitch Stick Handle Grip — ReplacementJan 5, 2023
- EASA AD 2022-0169-ETail Rotor – Tail Rotor Blades – Inspection/Replacement
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