Fire Protection — Fire Extinguisher Bottles — Inspection / Replacement
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2016-0261
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must visually inspect the bypass outlet assembly of each affected fire extinguisher bottle within 25 flight hours or 3 months after 4 January 2017, and then at intervals not exceeding 200 flight hours or 12 months. If any cracks are found, the affected bottle must be replaced with a serviceable part before the next flight. Only serviceable parts may be installed from 4 January 2017 onward.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016-0261R1 is a regulatory update addressing fire extinguisher bottles installed on Leonardo S.p.A. A109LUH, A109E, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters. The directive mandates inspections and potential replacement of fire extinguisher bottles Part Number 27300-1 due to a risk of fractured bypass outlet assemblies that could impair fire suppression capability in the engine area.
What changed
This revision updates the inspection table to include the new A109S "Trekker" configuration, which uses a fire extinguisher kit previously approved only for AW109SP helicopters. It also introduces editorial changes to align with the latest AD writing standards without altering the original requirements.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of affected helicopters by ensuring fire extinguisher bottles are free from cracks that could compromise fire suppression systems. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent potential fire hazards that could lead to helicopter damage or occupant injury.
More for Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters A109
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- EASA PAD 26-088Tail Rotor Drive – Tail Gear Box and Chip Detector – InspectionJul 23, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0115Stabilizers – Torque Tube Assembly – InspectionJun 15, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0045Rotors Flight Control — Collective Stick Torque Tube Assembly — Inspection / Replacement
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