Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD 2019-0287

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

Published: Nov 27, 2019
Effective: Dec 11, 2019
Deadline: Dec 11, 2019
Replaces: 2019-0102

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What to do

Operators of EC 225 LP helicopters with affected bellcranks must clean and lubricate the bellcranks every six months starting before the next flight after 13 October 2016. Any discrepancies found during inspections require immediate corrective action before further flight. Additionally, all affected bellcranks must be replaced with serviceable parts within six months from 11 December 2019 to terminate repetitive maintenance requirements. Installation of bellcranks is only allowed if they are serviceable parts as defined by the directive.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0287 is an airworthiness directive addressing Airbus Helicopters EC 225 LP models equipped with emergency life rafts installed in the multi-purpose sponsons. It focuses on inspection, cleaning, lubrication, and replacement of the external life raft jettison system's inflation cylinder percussion system bellcranks to prevent jamming issues. The directive applies to specific bellcrank part numbers and mandates corrective actions to ensure safe release of life rafts during emergencies.

What changed

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0287 supersedes AD 2019-0102 and corrects the applicability by removing an irrelevant modification reference. It retains previous cleaning and lubrication requirements and introduces a mandatory replacement of affected bellcranks with improved design parts within six months. The directive also prohibits installation of non-serviceable bellcranks and clarifies installation conditions for serviceable parts.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent life raft release failures caused by bellcrank jamming due to corrosion or foreign material. Compliance ensures the reliability of emergency equipment, which is vital for occupant safety during survivable accidents. It also provides clear instructions for inspections, maintenance, and part replacement, aiding compliance teams in meeting regulatory requirements.

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