EASA AD 2018-0003
Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — Airworthiness Limitation Section — Amendment / Implementation
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0003 is an amendment concerning the ARRIEL 1E2 engines, commonly installed on Airbus Helicopters Deutschland MBB-BK117-C1 and MBB-BK117-C2 helicopters. This directive mandates the implementation of updated airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks as specified in the ARRIEL 1E2 maintenance manual Section 05-10. It ensures continued airworthiness by enforcing life limits and maintenance intervals for critical engine components.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0003 supersedes the previous AD 2017-0061 and requires operators to implement the updated airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks detailed in the ARRIEL 1E2 maintenance manual dated 02 February 2017. It retains the requirements of the earlier AD while incorporating more restrictive tasks and life limits. Additionally, it mandates revising the Aircraft Maintenance Programme to include these updated limitations within 12 months of the effective date.
Why It Matters
This directive is crucial for aviation professionals because it enforces mandatory maintenance and replacement schedules that prevent unsafe conditions due to engine component failures. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must adhere to these updated requirements to ensure regulatory compliance and maintain the safety and reliability of helicopters equipped with ARRIEL 1E2 engines. Failure to comply could result in grounding of aircraft or unsafe operations.
What To Do
Operators and maintenance personnel must replace life-limited parts before exceeding their life limits and perform all maintenance tasks within specified intervals as outlined in the updated ARRIEL 1E2 maintenance manual. They must also revise the approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme within 12 months from 2018-01-19 to incorporate these new limitations and tasks. Any discrepancies found during maintenance must be corrected within the specified compliance times or before the next flight if no time is specified.
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