Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD 2018-0090

Landing Gear — Emergency Flotation Gear Upper Fitting Attaching Screws — Inspection / Replacement / Modification

Published: Apr 20, 2018
Effective: May 4, 2018
Deadline: May 4, 2019
Replaces: 2015-0239-E

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What to do

Operators must inspect the heads of the three screws on the rear upper fitting of each emergency flotation gear within 15 flight hours after 22 December 2015 and continue inspections every 15 flight hours thereafter. If any screw head is loose or missing, the screws must be replaced before the next flight when the flotation system is armed. Additionally, the AH mod 0728456 modification must be installed within 12 months of 4 May 2018 to terminate the repetitive inspection requirement.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0090 is an official regulatory document addressing the inspection, replacement, and modification of emergency flotation gear upper fitting attaching screws on Airbus Helicopters AS 332 and EC 225 models. It applies to AS 332 C, C1, L, L1, L2, and EC 225 LP helicopters equipped with emergency flotation gear, excluding those with modification 0728456. The directive mandates inspections and corrective actions to ensure the integrity of the flotation gear screws to prevent failure during ditching scenarios.

What changed

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0090 supersedes the previous Emergency AD 2015-0239-E and retains its inspection requirements while introducing a new terminating modification, AH mod 0728456. This modification involves installing concave/convex washers and longer screws to reduce stress on the screw heads, thereby eliminating the need for repetitive inspections. The directive requires operators to perform inspections every 15 flight hours until the modification is installed within 12 months of the effective date.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals because failure to detect and correct screw damage on the emergency flotation gear can lead to flotation system failure during ditching, risking helicopter stability and occupant safety. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and avoid operational restrictions. The introduction of a terminating modification reduces maintenance burden and enhances safety by addressing the root cause of the screw failures.

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