EASA AD 2018-0258
Windows — Swing Door Jettisonable Window — Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0258 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters EC 155 B and EC 155 B1 models fitted with hinged cabin doors. The directive mandates a modification to the swing door jettisonable windows to ensure they can be opened with the required force. This AD addresses a safety concern related to the difficulty in jettisoning these windows during emergency evacuations.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0258 introduces a required modification to the hinged cabin door jettisonable windows on EC 155 B and B1 helicopters. This modification updates previous requirements by ensuring the opening load of the windows is within approved design limits, improving on an earlier modification that reduced but did not fully resolve the issue. The directive mandates compliance with Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC155-56A005 Revision 1.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential safety hazard that could impede emergency evacuation by making it difficult to jettison cabin door windows. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain the airworthiness and safety of affected helicopters. Failure to comply could result in unsafe conditions during emergency situations and regulatory non-compliance.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus Helicopters EC 155 B and B1 models with hinged cabin doors must modify each hinged cabin door jettisonable window within 12 months from 14 December 2018, following the instructions in Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC155-56A005 Revision 1. Helicopters modified before the effective date using the original issue of the ASB are considered compliant. Requests for alternative compliance methods can be submitted to EASA if substantiated.
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