Main Rotor – Rotating Scissors Spherical Bearings – Inspection
Superseded. Comply with 2025-0264, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Replaces
- 2025-0018
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Airbus Helicopters H160-B must inspect the rotating scissors spherical bearings within specified compliance times, not exceeding 165 flight hours since installation or 55 flight hours after 21 January 2025, whichever is later. Bearings showing axial play beyond defined thresholds require timely re-inspection and replacement before further flight. Inspection results must be reported to Airbus Helicopters within seven days when axial play exceeds 0.10 mm, and all actions must follow the instructions in the referenced Emergency Alert Service Bulletin H160-62-34-0001 Issue 003.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0040 is issued for Airbus Helicopters H160-B models, addressing the inspection and maintenance of rotating scissors spherical bearings, part number U623A40T1007. The directive mandates inspections to detect excessive axial play in these bearings to ensure continued safe operation of affected helicopters. It applies to all serial numbers of the H160-B helicopter and includes specific compliance times and reporting requirements.
What changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2025-0018 and extends the compliance times for initial inspections of the affected bearings. It also broadens the reporting requirements to include conditions where axial play exceeds 0.20 mm, facilitating better root cause analysis. The directive retains previous inspection and replacement requirements but updates timelines and reporting to improve safety oversight.
Why it matters
For aviation professionals, this directive is critical to prevent reduced helicopter control caused by excessive axial play in main rotor bearings. Operators and maintenance teams must adhere to the updated inspection intervals and reporting mandates to maintain airworthiness and regulatory compliance. Failure to comply could lead to unsafe flight conditions and regulatory penalties.
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