Tail Rotor Drive — Centre Shaft Assembly — Inspection / Replacement / Life Limitations
- Published
- Effective
- Replaces
- 2025-0249-E
- Replaces
- 2025-0249
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 perform repetitive inspections of the affected centre shaft assembly within specified flight hour intervals, starting no later than the compliance times defined in the directive. Replacement of the affected part with a serviceable part is required before exceeding defined flight hour limits. Installation of affected parts is allowed only if they pass inspection criteria, and certain installation restrictions apply to parts transferred between helicopter models.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0262-E is an emergency directive addressing the inspection, replacement, and life limitations of the tail rotor drive centre shaft assembly, Part Number 350A34021401, installed on Airbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 and EC 130 B4 models. This directive mandates repetitive inspections and replacement requirements to ensure the continued airworthiness of affected helicopters. It applies to all serial numbers of the specified EC 130 helicopter models.
What changed
This directive supersedes EASA Emergency AD 2025-0249-E and introduces repetitive inspection requirements for the affected centre shaft assemblies instead of mandatory replacement for certain parts. It updates compliance times and inspection intervals based on recent fatigue test data and allows installation of affected parts under specific inspection conditions. The directive refines life limits and inspection protocols to better manage the risk of shaft failure.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential unsafe condition that could lead to tail rotor drive shaft failure and loss of yaw control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent in-flight failures and ensure helicopter safety. The updated inspection and replacement requirements help optimize maintenance schedules and reduce unnecessary part replacements while maintaining safety.
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
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