EASA AD 2023-0214
Fuselage — Tail Rotor Drive Shaft / Rear Transmission Bearing Support — Inspections / Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0214 is an airworthiness directive issued for Airbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 models equipped with modification 074581. It addresses inspections and modifications related to the tail rotor drive shaft and rear transmission bearing support to prevent failure of the tail rotor drive shaft and loss of yaw control. The directive mandates repetitive inspections and a reinforcement modification to ensure continued airworthiness.
What Changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2023-0028 and retains its inspection requirements while additionally requiring a modification to reinforce the tail rotor drive shaft bearing support. The modification simplifies inspection procedures and extends inspection intervals. It also updates inspection instructions related to paint presence on the affected areas and reporting requirements.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent potential failure of the tail rotor drive shaft, which could lead to loss of helicopter yaw control. Compliance ensures flight safety and regulatory adherence. The reinforcement modification reduces inspection frequency, lowering maintenance burden and operational downtime.
What To Do
Operators must perform repetitive inspections of rivets and local structures before next flight or within specified flight hours, inspect for paint presence and remove if found, and report certain findings to Airbus Helicopters. The reinforcement modification must be completed within 660 flight hours or 24 months from 18 December 2023. All corrective actions must be done before next flight as applicable.
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