EASA AD 2025-0165
Fuselage — Main Gearbox Mobile Cowlings Rail Supports — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0165 is an airworthiness directive addressing Airbus Helicopters H160-B models. It mandates inspections of the main gearbox mobile cowlings rail supports, specifically the right hand and left hand center and rear rail supports with part numbers U711A7203106, U711A7213104, U711A7203104, and U711A7213102. The directive aims to prevent potential loss of the cowling in flight due to broken rail supports.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces repetitive inspections of the affected main gearbox mobile cowlings rail supports on H160-B helicopters. It requires inspections within specified flight hour thresholds and mandates corrective actions if cracks are found. The directive also allows installation of affected parts only after confirming they are crack-free and subjecting them to the inspection regime.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk that could lead to loss of helicopter control if the cowling detaches and impacts the main rotor blades. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to prevent in-flight failures and maintain airworthiness. It also affects parts installation procedures, requiring verification and ongoing inspections to mitigate risk.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus Helicopters H160-B must perform initial inspections of the specified main gearbox rail supports within the flight hour limits set by the directive, then continue inspections every 55 flight hours. If cracks are detected, corrective actions must be taken before further flight as per the Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin H160-05-00-0005. Installation of affected parts is permitted only after crack-free verification and adherence to inspection requirements.