Equipment & Furnishings - Hoist - Removal; Cabin Sliding Plug Doors / Emergency Jettisoning System - Rotorcraft Flight Manual Amendment / Placard Installation
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2018-0140-E
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must remove the hoist arm within 10 flight hours after 3 July 2018 for Group 1 helicopters or concurrently with door reinforcement modification for Group 2 helicopters. Alternatively, they may amend the Rotorcraft Flight Manual and install placards prohibiting jettison system use. Helicopters modified per the specified service bulletins may reinstall the hoist and remove placards. Compliance with these actions is required by 28 February 2024.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0140R1 is an amendment addressing safety concerns on Airbus Helicopters AS 332 and EC 225 models. It focuses on the removal of the hoist arm and modifications related to the right-hand side lateral sliding plug door and its emergency jettisoning system. The directive applies to all serial numbers of the AS 332 C, C1, L, L1, L2, and EC 225 LP helicopters.
What changed
This revision of EASA AD 2018-0140-E introduces optional modifications that eliminate interference between the hoist arm and the sliding plug door median fitting, allowing safe jettisoning of the door. It provides an alternative to hoist removal by amending the Rotorcraft Flight Manual and installing placards prohibiting jettison system use. The amendment also updates compliance options and clarifies conditions under which the hoist can be reinstalled.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance teams to prevent potential obstruction of emergency evacuation due to door jamming caused by interference with the hoist arm. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and safety by addressing a known unsafe condition that could result in occupant injury. It also provides clear guidance on acceptable modifications and operational procedures to maintain compliance with European aviation safety regulations.
More for Airbus Helicopters SA 330
All 116- EASA AD 2021-0139R2Doors – Cabin Lateral Sliding Plug Door Emergency Jettisoning System – Inspection / ModificationOct 2, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0166Fuselage – Splice of Frame X5295 – InspectionAug 19, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0148Electrical Power – Direct Current Electrical Master Box – InspectionJul 28, 2026
- EASA AD 2023-0148R1Main Rotor Drive – Main Gearbox – Replacement; Placards and Markings – ENG1 Training Idle Switch – Installation / Operational RestrictionJul 24, 2026
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