Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21440 · Main rotor mast/swashplate
Airbus Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2025-03-01. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-23- 02, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. AD 2020-23-02 required repetitive inspections of the bearing in the swashplate assembly of the main rotor mast assembly for discrepancies (ceramic balls that have a hard point or sensitive axial play or both) and, depending on the findings, replacement of an affected main rotor mast assembly with a serviceable main rotor mast assembly. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-23-02, the FAA has determined additional main rotor mast assemblies are affected by the unsafe condition. This AD continues to require the actions specified in AD 2020-23-02, and also includes additional affected main rotor mast assemblies; as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0264, dated December 2, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0264).
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0264 refers to April 15, 2020 (the effective date of EASA AD 2020-0079), this AD requires using December 4, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-23-02).
(2) Where Table 1 of EASA AD 2020-0264 specifies a column heading of “FH Accumulated,” for this AD use hours time-in-service accumulated as of December 4, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-23-02).
(3) Where Table 2 of EASA AD 2020-0264 specifies a column heading of “FH Accumulated,” for this AD use hours time-in-service accumulated as of the effective date of this AD.
(4) Where EASA AD 2020-0264 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(5) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2020-0264 does not apply to this AD.
(6) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0264 specifies to return certain parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service instead.
(7) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0264 specifies “compliance with the works steps concerned with the check is described in a video” this AD requires a complete rotation of the swashplate in both directions using a rate of one revolution per minute.
(8) Where EASA AD 2020-0264 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service. The guidance provided by Note 1 to Table 1 and Table 2 in EASA AD 2020-0264 is still applicable.
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0264 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
