EASA AD 2026-0032
Tail Rotor — Tail Rotor Blades — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0032 is an airworthiness directive addressing inspection requirements for tail rotor blade assemblies on Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH EC135 and EC635 helicopter models. It specifically targets tail rotor blade assemblies with part numbers L642A2002111 and L642A2002112 due to risks of intergranular corrosion and potential cracks. The directive mandates repetitive inspections to ensure continued airworthiness and safety.
What Changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2024-0028R1 and discontinues the use of inspection method A. It introduces additional limitations and a revised inspection schedule based on helicopter group and inspection method used. The directive also allows installation of affected parts only if they meet serviceability criteria and updates inspection intervals accordingly.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk involving tail rotor blade assemblies that could lead to reduced helicopter control if undetected cracks cause blade rupture. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply with the updated inspection intervals and methods to prevent accidents and ensure regulatory compliance. The directive also clarifies installation and corrective action procedures, impacting maintenance planning and parts management.
What To Do
Operators of EC135 and EC635 helicopters with affected tail rotor blade assemblies must perform repetitive inspections before the parts exceed 685 flight hours or within 10 flight hours after 29 January 2024, then at specified intervals depending on helicopter group and inspection method. Any detected cracks require immediate replacement of the affected part before next flight. Installation of affected parts is permitted only if they are serviceable, and replacing all affected parts with non-affected assemblies terminates the inspection requirements.
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