Stabilizers — Horizontal Stabilizer — Inspections
- Published
- Effective
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of AS 332 C, C1, L, L1, L2, and EC 225 LP helicopters must perform an initial inspection within 20 flight hours or 30 days after 26 January 2026, whichever occurs first. Repetitive inspections must follow every 50 flight hours thereafter. If any discrepancies are found, corrective repairs must be completed before the next flight according to Airbus Helicopters' approved instructions. Installation of affected parts is allowed only if new or inspected without discrepancies.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0015-E is an emergency directive addressing inspections of the horizontal stabilizer on Airbus Helicopters AS 332 and EC 225 models. It mandates inspections of metallic horizontal stabilizers, specifically those with part numbers 332A1310XXXX for AS 332 helicopters and all metallic horizontal stabilizers for EC 225 helicopters. The directive aims to prevent loss of control caused by potential failure of the horizontal stabilizer.
What changed
This new emergency airworthiness directive introduces mandatory initial and repetitive inspections of the affected horizontal stabilizer parts, including torque checks and dimensional measurements. It also requires corrective actions if discrepancies are found and allows installation of new or inspected parts under specified conditions. This AD is an interim measure pending further regulatory action.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a serious safety risk involving potential loss of the horizontal stabilizer during flight, which could lead to loss of control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply promptly to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of affected helicopters. Compliance teams need to track inspection intervals and corrective actions to meet regulatory requirements and avoid grounding.
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New ADs and bulletins for Airbus Helicopters SA 330, Helicopters AS 332 and Helicopters EC 225, summarized like this page, every Monday.