EASA AD 2025-0277-E
Fuselage — Tail boom skin — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0277-E is an emergency directive addressing Airbus Helicopters EC 175 B models. It mandates inspections of the tail boom skin to detect cracks that could compromise structural integrity. The directive applies to all serial numbers of the EC 175 B helicopter.
What Changed
This new emergency airworthiness directive introduces mandatory repetitive visual inspections of the left and right sides of the aft tail boom skin for cracks. It requires operators to contact Airbus Helicopters for approved repair instructions if any cracks are found. No previous airworthiness directive is superseded by this document.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of the EC 175 B tail boom, preventing potential loss of control due to structural failure. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply promptly to ensure continued airworthiness and flight safety. Compliance teams need to integrate these inspections into their maintenance schedules to avoid regulatory violations.
What To Do
Operators must perform a visual inspection for cracks within 10 flight hours after 15 December 2025 and repeat inspections every 10 flight hours thereafter. If cracks are detected, repairs must be carried out before the next flight following Airbus Helicopters' approved instructions. No terminating action is currently defined, so inspections remain repetitive.