Engine Fuel & Control — Full Authority Digital Engine Control B / Digital Engine Control Unit — Inspection / Replacement
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of ARRIEL 2C and 2S1 engines must inspect their engines to determine if affected FADEC B DECU units are installed. For engines with affected parts (Group 1), the defective units must be replaced with serviceable parts within 1,400 engine operating hours from 18 March 2020. Installation of any affected FADEC B DECU units is prohibited from the effective date onward. Compliance should follow SAFRAN Mandatory Service Bulletin 292 73 2872 instructions.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0046 is an airworthiness directive addressing SAFRAN Helicopter Engines ARRIEL 2C and 2S1 engines, commonly installed on Airbus Helicopters AS 365 N3 and Sikorsky S-76C helicopters. The directive focuses on inspection and replacement of Full Authority Digital Engine Control B (FADEC B) digital engine control units (DECUs) due to identified defects. It mandates replacement of affected FADEC B DECU units to ensure continued safe operation of the engines.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0046 introduces mandatory replacement of affected FADEC B DECU units that exhibit varnish blistering on the circuit board, which can cause engine control malfunctions. It prohibits the installation or reinstallation of these affected parts and requires operators to replace them within 1,400 engine operating hours. The directive also defines affected and serviceable parts and groups engines based on the presence of affected parts.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because the identified defect in the FADEC B DECU can lead to loss of automatic control on both engines simultaneously, potentially compromising helicopter control. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must address this issue promptly to maintain airworthiness and ensure flight safety. Failure to comply could result in unsafe flight conditions and regulatory non-compliance.
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