Rotors Flight Control — Ball Bearing Control System — Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Replaces
- 2025-0108
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected EC135 and EC635 helicopters must perform a one-time inspection within 50 flight hours or 3 months after 15 May 2025, followed by repetitive inspections every 3 months or up to 6 months if not operated in corrosive environments. Any discrepancies found during inspections must be corrected before further flight. Inspection results must be reported to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH within 15 days of inspection completion.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0260 is an airworthiness directive addressing the ball bearing control system in the rotors flight control of Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH EC135 and EC635 helicopter models. It applies to all serial numbers up to 1999 inclusive and mandates inspections of specific ball pivot and control rod parts to ensure continued airworthiness. The directive introduces inspection requirements to prevent loss of tail rotor control due to broken control rods in the yaw actuator assembly.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0260 supersedes AD 2025-0108 and retains its one-time inspection requirements while introducing repetitive inspections of the ball pivot. It also requires corrective actions if discrepancies are found and updates installation rules for affected parts, allowing installation only if the parts are serviceable. The directive extends inspection intervals and reporting requirements to enhance safety and data collection.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety issue that could lead to loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent potential accidents caused by broken control rods in the tail rotor system. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory adherence, reducing operational risks and enhancing fleet safety.
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- EASA AD 2026-0024
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