EASA AD 2024-0131
Main Rotor — Control Rod Assembly / Pitch Link Assembly — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0131 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency concerning Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH MBB-BK117 C-2 and D-2 helicopters. It mandates inspection of the main rotor control rod assembly and pitch link assembly, specifically parts with certain part numbers, to detect wear in spherical bearings that could affect rotor blade pitch and control.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a one-time inspection requirement for the affected control rod and pitch link assemblies on MBB-BK117 C-2 and D-2 helicopters. It requires measuring radial play in spherical bearings and mandates corrective actions if wear exceeds specified limits. Additionally, it requires reporting inspection results to Airbus Helicopters.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because undetected wear in the main rotor control components can lead to unsafe flight conditions, including loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of affected helicopters. Compliance also ensures regulatory adherence and avoids operational restrictions.
What To Do
Operators of MBB-BK117 C-2 and D-2 helicopters must inspect the specified control rod and pitch link assemblies within 100 flight hours after 22 July 2024. If any play is detected, they must measure radial play and take corrective actions if the play exceeds 0.10 mm before the next flight. Inspection results must be reported to Airbus Helicopters within 7 days of measurement.