Tail Rotor Drive – Centre Shaft Assembly – Replacement
Superseded. Comply with 2025-0262-E, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of EC 130 T2 and EC 130 B4 helicopters must replace the affected centre shaft assembly within the specified compliance times based on flight hours since first installation, not exceeding the published service life limits. Installation of affected parts is only permitted if they are serviceable and replaced as required. Compliance deadlines range from within 10 flight hours to within 50 flight hours depending on the part's usage history.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0249-E is an emergency directive addressing the Airbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 and EC 130 B4 models. It mandates the replacement of the tail rotor drive centre shaft assembly, part number 350A34021401, due to potential fatigue cracking that could lead to failure of the tail rotor drive shaft and loss of yaw control. This directive applies to all serial numbers of the affected helicopter models.
What changed
This new emergency directive introduces mandatory replacement requirements for the affected centre shaft assembly based on accumulated flight hours. It establishes compliance times depending on the flight hours since first installation and prohibits operation with non-serviceable parts. Additionally, it allows installation of affected parts only if they meet serviceability criteria and are replaced within specified timeframes.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential unsafe condition that could result in catastrophic failure of the tail rotor drive system. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure timely compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and safety. Failure to comply could lead to grounding of helicopters and increased risk during flight operations.
More for Airbus Helicopters AS 350
All 99- EASA AD 2025-0159R1Placards and Markings – Unlock Sliding Door – InstallationOct 19, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0052R2Instruments – Fuse Cover Attachment of Circuit Breaker Panel – ModificationSep 24, 2026
- EASA AD 2023-0214R1Fuselage – Tail Rotor Drive Shaft / Rear Transmission Bearing Support – Inspections / ModificationSep 16, 2026
- EASA AD 2024-0144R1Tail Rotor Drive – Shaft-Line – Check / Measurement / ModificationSep 16, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0146
Get the next one by email
New ADs and bulletins for Airbus Helicopters AS 350 and Helicopters EC 130, summarized like this page, every Monday.