Main Rotor — Main Rotor Spindle — Recurring Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2015-08-51
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Enstrom helicopter models must perform magnetic particle inspections of the main rotor spindle every 500 hours time-in-service. Spindles must be retired once they reach 1,500 hours time-in-service. Compliance with these inspections and life limits is mandatory starting February 21, 2018.
Summary
Airworthiness Directive 2018-02-01 is a final rule issued by the Federal Aviation Administration addressing Enstrom Helicopter Corporation models F-28A, 280, F-28C, F-28C-2, F-28C-2R, 280C, F-28F, F-28F-R, 280F, 280FX, and 480 helicopters. This directive focuses on recurring inspections and establishing a life limit for the main rotor spindle assemblies with part numbers 28-14282-11 or 28-14282-13. It aims to prevent unsafe conditions caused by cracked main rotor spindles that could lead to loss of control of the helicopter.
What changed
This directive supersedes Airworthiness Directive 2015-08-51 by removing the one-time inspection and reporting requirement and introducing a mandatory life limit of 1,500 hours time-in-service for the main rotor spindle. It requires magnetic particle inspections every 500 hours until the spindle reaches this life limit. The reporting requirement from the previous AD has been eliminated.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk involving cracked main rotor spindles, which are primary structural components essential for helicopter flight control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent catastrophic failures and ensure continued airworthiness. The established life limit and recurring inspections help manage fatigue-related risks and maintain operational safety.
More for Enstrom Helicopter Corporation 280
All 5- EASA AD 2018-0286Main Rotor — Hydraulic Damper / Belt Tension Shaft Rod End Assembly — InspectionDec 20, 2018
- EASA AD 2018-0067Main Rotor – Hydraulic Damper / Belt Tension Shaft Rod End Assembly – InspectionMar 23, 2018
- EASA AD 2016-0221-CNCANCELLED: Main Rotor — Main Rotor Spindle — InspectionJan 24, 2018
- EASA AD US-2017-26-03Main Rotor - Rod End Bearing Assemblies - InspectionDec 21, 2017
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