EASA AD 2026-0020 — Main Rotor — Main Rotor Pitch Rod End — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0020 is an airworthiness directive issued for Airbus Helicopters H160-B models. It mandates inspection of the main rotor pitch rod end bearings to detect potential defects that could compromise flight safety. The directive applies to all serial numbers of the H160-B helicopter and focuses on specific part numbers of the main rotor pitch rod end bearings.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a one-time inspection requirement for the main rotor lower and upper pitch rod end bearings on H160-B helicopters. It requires operators to inspect the affected parts within five flight hours after the effective date and report the results to Airbus Helicopters. The directive also mandates corrective actions if any discrepancies are found during inspection.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety issue that could lead to loss of control of the helicopter due to failure of the main rotor pitch rod. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply promptly to ensure continued airworthiness and prevent in-flight failures. Compliance teams need to track and report inspection outcomes to meet regulatory requirements and maintain operational safety.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus Helicopters H160-B must inspect the specified main rotor pitch rod end bearings within 5 flight hours after 10 February 2026, following the instructions in the Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin H160-62-33-0005. Any detected discrepancies must be reported to Airbus Helicopters within 7 days and corrected before further flight according to approved instructions. Reporting inspection results using the provided response form is mandatory.