Main Rotor — Swashplate Bearing — Inspections
- Published
- Effective
- Replaces
- 2023-0222-E
- Replaces
- 2024-0229
- Replaces
- 2023-0222
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must perform inspections of swashplate bearings within 15 flight hours or before cleaning, and continue at intervals not exceeding 15 flight hours. HUMS data must be checked and downloaded regularly within 15 flight hours or 7 days, with specific functional tests and corrective actions taken if abnormalities are detected. Greasing must follow approved procedures and use specified grease types, with non-compliant grease replaced within 55 flight hours. All actions must comply with the timelines and instructions detailed in the directive and associated Airbus Helicopters service bulletins.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0229R1 is an updated safety directive addressing the inspection and maintenance of swashplate bearings on Airbus Helicopters H160-B models. It mandates repetitive inspections, functional tests, and Health Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) data analysis to detect premature degradation of swashplate bearings. The directive applies to all serial numbers of the H160-B helicopter and specifies procedures for greasing and part installation.
What changed
This revision amends the previous AD 2024-0229 by extending the allowable interval for repetitive downloading and transferring of HUMS data to within 15 flight hours or 7 days since the last data transfer. It also incorporates updates from Airbus Helicopters' Emergency Alert Service Bulletin Issue 003 regarding HUMS data handling. The revision retains earlier inspection and monitoring requirements but adjusts compliance times and operational conditions for HUMS monitoring flights.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance teams to prevent swashplate bearing failures that could compromise helicopter control. It ensures early detection of bearing degradation through enhanced HUMS data analysis and inspection protocols, reducing the risk of in-flight failures. Compliance with these requirements supports continued airworthiness and regulatory adherence for the H160-B fleet.
More for Airbus Helicopters H160
All 32- EASA AD 2026-0198Doors – Emergency Exit Rope on the Jettisonable Window Systems – CleaningOct 19, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0196Equipment / Furnishings – System Interface Unit – ReplacementOct 13, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0193Doors – Jettisonable Window Mechanism – Lubrication / Operational Test / ModificationOct 9, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-116Equipment / Furnishings – System Interface Unit – ReplacementSep 25, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0184
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