EASA AD 2023-0214R1
Fuselage – Tail Rotor Drive Shaft / Rear Transmission Bearing Support – Inspections / Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0214R1 is an updated regulatory requirement affecting Airbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 models with specific modifications embodied. It addresses the inspection and modification of the tail rotor drive shaft and rear transmission bearing support to prevent failure of the tail rotor drive shaft and loss of yaw control. This directive supersedes previous ADs related to the same issue and focuses on reinforcing the bearing support.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0214R1 removes all repetitive inspection requirements and related corrective actions previously mandated, retaining only the modification requirement to reinforce the tail rotor drive shaft bearing support. It reflects that compliance times for all required modifications have expired and updates the applicability to exclude helicopters with certain modifications already embodied. This revision aligns with the concurrent revision of EASA AD 2024-0144.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it ensures continued airworthiness and safety of EC 130 T2 helicopters by addressing a known unsafe condition that could lead to loss of yaw control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply with the modification requirements to avoid operational restrictions. The removal of repetitive inspections simplifies maintenance planning and reduces operational burden while maintaining safety standards.
What To Do
Operators of affected EC 130 T2 helicopters must complete the reinforcement modification of the tail rotor drive shaft bearing support within 660 flight hours or 24 months after 18 December 2023, whichever occurs first. Helicopters that have already incorporated certain modifications are excluded from these requirements. Maintenance and compliance teams should update their records to reflect the removal of inspection obligations and focus on the modification compliance.
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