Main Rotor — Main Rotor Blade Leading Edge Protection — Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of SA 341 G and SA 342 J helicopters must perform tapping inspections of affected main rotor blades within 55 flight hours or 6 months from 14 August 2023, and repeat inspections every 110 flight hours or 12 months. Any detected disbonding must be repaired or the blade replaced before further flight. Installation of affected parts is restricted based on helicopter group classification, and full replacement of affected blades ends the inspection requirement.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0155 is an airworthiness directive addressing the main rotor blade leading edge protection inspection for Airbus Helicopters SA 341 G and SA 342 J (Gazelle) helicopters. It applies to main rotor blades with specific part numbers and mandates repetitive inspections to detect disbonding of the stainless-steel leading edge protection. The directive aims to prevent main rotor unbalance and potential failure that could lead to loss of helicopter control.
What changed
This new regulation introduces mandatory repetitive tapping inspections of affected main rotor blades within 55 flight hours or 6 months after the effective date, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 110 flight hours or 12 months. It requires corrective actions if disbonding is found and restricts installation of affected parts on certain helicopters. Replacement of all affected parts with serviceable parts terminates the inspection requirement.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to ensure the structural integrity of the main rotor blades, preventing severe vibration and potential catastrophic failure. Compliance helps maintain safe flight operations and avoids unplanned downtime or accidents. It also clarifies installation rules for affected parts, aiding in proper maintenance and parts management.
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 2023-0128-ETail Rotor — Tail Rotor Blades — Inspection / ReplacementJun 26, 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
Get the next one by email
New ADs and bulletins for Airbus Helicopters SA 341, Helicopters 342, Helicopters SA 341 G and Helicopters SA 342 J, summarized like this page, every Monday.