EASA AD 2026-0027 — Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — Airworthiness Limitations Section — Amendment
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0027 is an amendment concerning the time limits and maintenance checks detailed in the Airworthiness Limitations Section for SAFRAN Helicopter Engines ARRIUS 2B2 engines. These engines are commonly installed on Airbus Helicopters Deutschland EC135 and EC635 models. The directive updates mandatory maintenance tasks and life limits to ensure continued airworthiness of these engines.
What Changed
EASA AD 2026-0027 supersedes the previous AD 2024-0149 and introduces new and/or more restrictive maintenance tasks and life limits as specified in the latest update (no. 49) of the ARRIUS 2B2 Maintenance Manual. It requires operators to comply with updated thresholds and intervals for maintenance and component replacement, reflecting the latest safety and reliability data.
Why It Matters
This amendment is critical for aviation professionals because it mandates compliance with updated maintenance instructions that are essential to prevent unsafe conditions. Operators and maintenance organizations must integrate these changes to maintain regulatory compliance and ensure the safety and reliability of helicopters equipped with ARRIUS 2B2 engines. Failure to comply could lead to grounding of aircraft or unsafe operation.
What To Do
Operators must replace components before exceeding new life limits and perform all maintenance tasks within the updated intervals starting from 25 February 2026. They must revise their Aircraft Maintenance Programme within 12 months to incorporate the new Airworthiness Limitations Section requirements. Any discrepancies found during maintenance must be corrected before the next flight, following SAFRAN's approved instructions.