EASA AD 2019-0268
Equipment and Furnishings — Emergency Locator Transmitter Sealing Gasket — Inspection / Installation
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0268 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters EC 175 B models equipped with CPI 503 ADELT emergency locator transmitters (ELT) with part number 503-16-25. The directive addresses the inspection and installation of the ELT sealing gasket to prevent water ingress that could impair emergency transmission functionality.
What Changed
This new directive introduces a mandatory one-time inspection to verify the presence of the ELT sealing gasket between the beacon release unit and the CPI 503 transmitter. If the gasket is missing, it requires immediate installation and inspection of the ELT connector, with corrective actions including replacement of units if deficiencies are found.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to ensure the reliability of emergency locator transmitters on affected EC 175 B helicopters. Proper gasket installation prevents water ingress that could cause ELT failure during emergency situations, directly impacting aircraft safety and regulatory compliance for operators and maintenance organizations.
What To Do
Operators must inspect the ELT gasket within 100 flight hours or 2 months from the effective date of 12 November 2019, whichever occurs first. If the gasket is missing, it must be installed before the next flight, and the ELT connector must be inspected and repaired or replaced as necessary before further flight.
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