EASA AD 2020-0049
[Correction] Fuel System — Fuel Tank — Inspection/Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0049 is a corrective directive addressing fuel system inspection and replacement requirements for Airbus Helicopters EC 175 B models. It mandates inspection and possible replacement of specific feeder tanks (P/N 509505-5 and 509506-5) to prevent uncommanded engine shutdowns caused by defective feeder tank connections. The directive applies to all serial numbers of the EC 175 B helicopter.
What Changed
This correction republished EASA AD 2020-0049 to fix a typographical error in the definition of the affected feeder tanks. The directive introduces a one-time inspection test (Test A or Test B) of the affected feeder tanks and specifies replacement requirements based on test outcomes. It also imposes operational limitations on helicopters with affected fuel booster pumps until corrective actions are completed.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent potential in-flight engine shutdowns caused by air ingestion through defective feeder tank connections. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and safety of EC 175 B helicopters by mitigating a known unsafe condition. It also affects operational procedures by restricting flights with inoperative affected fuel booster pumps until tanks are inspected or replaced.
What To Do
Operators of EC 175 B helicopters must perform either Test A or Test B on affected feeder tanks within 110 flight hours from 23 March 2020. If one affected tank is found, it must be replaced within 880 flight hours or 12 months, whichever occurs first. If two affected tanks are installed, replacement must occur before the next flight. Additionally, helicopters with affected fuel booster pumps must not be operated with those pumps inoperative until tanks are cleared or replaced.
Your fleet's weekly compliance brief
AI-summarized regulatory changes, compliance deadlines, and action items — filtered to your aircraft, every Monday.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.