EASA AD 2025-0039-E
Fuselage — Pylon Reinforcement Fittings — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0039-E is an emergency directive addressing inspection requirements for the left and right pylon reinforcement fittings on Airbus Helicopters EC 175 B models. It mandates repetitive inspections to detect loose rivets and cracks that could compromise the structural integrity of the horizontal stabilizer support. This directive applies to all serial numbers of the EC 175 B helicopter and references specific part numbers M536A1001231 and M536A1001232 for the affected fittings.
What Changed
This directive supersedes EASA Emergency AD 2024-0252-E and introduces additional inspection requirements with reduced thresholds and shorter intervals for helicopters that have undergone certain maintenance actions involving rivet replacements without fitting replacements. It also clarifies inspection group classifications and mandates more frequent inspections for specific groups of helicopters to better detect hidden defects and prevent cracks from propagating.
Why It Matters
The directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk involving loose rivets and potential cracks in key structural components that could lead to loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply with the updated inspection intervals and corrective actions to ensure continued airworthiness and prevent catastrophic failure of the horizontal stabilizer support. Compliance teams need to track helicopter group classifications to apply the correct inspection schedules.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus Helicopters EC 175 B must perform initial and repetitive inspections of the pylon reinforcement fittings within specified flight hour thresholds depending on helicopter group classification. If loose rivets or cracks are found, approved repair instructions from Airbus Helicopters must be followed before further flight. Inspections must continue at intervals not exceeding 10 or 155 flight hours as applicable, with additional follow-up inspections required after repairs. Compliance deadlines include initial inspections within 10 flight hours or 155 flight hours depending on group and maintenance history.