Airworthiness DirectiveSupersededEASA AD 2019-0102

Equipment / Furnishings – External Life Raft Jettison System / Inflation Cylinder Percussion System / Bellcrank – Inspection

Superseded. Comply with 2019-0287, which replaces this document.

Published: May 9, 2019
Effective: May 23, 2019
Deadline: May 23, 2020
Replaces: 2016-0200

Airbus Helicopters SA 330

AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.

What to do

Operators of affected EC 225 LP helicopters must perform cleaning and lubrication of the life raft inflation cylinder percussion bellcranks every six months if the helicopter has affected parts installed. Any discrepancies found during inspections require immediate corrective action before flight. Additionally, within 12 months of the directive's effective date, all affected bellcranks must be replaced with serviceable parts as per the specified service bulletin instructions.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0102 is an airworthiness directive affecting Airbus Helicopters EC 225 LP models equipped with emergency life rafts installed in multi-purpose sponsons with modification 07 25749. The directive addresses issues with the life raft release bellcranks, specifically part numbers 332A41-4396-20 and 332A41-4396-21, which may jam due to foreign coating material or corrosion. It mandates inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and eventual replacement of affected parts to ensure proper life raft deployment during emergencies.

What changed

EASA AD 2019-0102 supersedes the previous AD 2016-0200 and retains its cleaning and lubrication requirements while introducing a mandatory replacement of affected bellcranks with improved serviceable parts within 12 months. It also prohibits the installation of affected parts going forward, making the replacement a terminating action for repetitive maintenance tasks.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk that could prevent life rafts from deploying in emergencies, potentially endangering occupants. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and regulatory compliance, avoiding operational disruptions and enhancing passenger safety.

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