Tail Rotor Drive – Tail Gear Box Control Rod Bearings – Replacement / Life Limitation
Proposal for consultation. Not binding until EASA issues the final AD; the requirements can still change.
- Published
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Airbus Helicopters SA 365 N must replace any affected tail gear box control rod bearing part number 360A33-4052-00 within 500 flight hours after the directive's effective date or before the part reaches 500 flight hours since first installation, whichever is later. Installation of affected parts is permitted only if they are serviceable and must be replaced before reaching 500 flight hours. Compliance must follow the instructions in Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS365-05-00-0005.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive PAD No. 26-105 is a proposed directive addressing the replacement and life limitation of tail gear box control rod bearings on Airbus Helicopters SA 365 N models. The directive targets the affected tail gear box control rod bearing part number 360A33-4052-00 due to premature bearing spalling. This directive aims to enhance safety by preventing potential loss of yaw control caused by bearing failure.
What changed
This new proposed Airworthiness Directive introduces a mandatory replacement of the affected tail gear box control rod bearings before they accumulate 500 flight hours since first installation. It also allows installation of affected parts only if they are serviceable and mandates their replacement within the specified flight hour limit. The directive is based on Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS365-05-00-0005 issue 001 dated 22 June 2026.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk involving premature bearing spalling that could lead to loss of yaw control in SA 365 N helicopters. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and avoid potential in-flight failures. Compliance helps maintain operational safety and regulatory adherence, minimizing risk and liability.
More for Airbus Helicopters SA
All 58- EASA AD 2026-0195Tail Rotor Drive – Tail Gear Box Control Rod Bearings – Replacement / Life LimitationOct 13, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0118Rotors Flight Control – Tail Rotor Actuator – InspectionJun 22, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0029Tail Rotor Drive — Tail Gear Box Input Flange — Functional ChecksFeb 12, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-017Powerplant — Engine Firewalls — ModificationJan 29, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0011Doors — Jettisonable Windows and Seals on the Sliding Doors and Fixed Panels — Modification
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