EASA AD 2020-0084
Rotors Flight Control — Collective Lever Switch Unit — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0084 is an airworthiness directive issued for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters. It mandates inspection of the collective lever switch units identified by specific part numbers and serial numbers to ensure the retaining rings of the cable cut switch guard are present and secure. The directive addresses a potential safety issue related to inadvertent activation of the rescue hoist cable cut function.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a one-time inspection requirement for affected collective lever switch units on MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters. It also establishes corrective actions if discrepancies are found and sets conditions for the installation of affected parts. The directive defines helicopter groups based on the presence of affected parts and rescue hoist installation to determine inspection timelines.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent inadvertent activation of the rescue hoist cable cut function, which could cause personal injury. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and operational safety of the affected helicopters. It also provides clear guidance on inspection, corrective actions, and installation requirements to maintain regulatory compliance.
What To Do
Operators of MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters must inspect affected collective lever switch units within 14 days for helicopters with rescue hoists installed, or within 12 months for those without rescue hoists or before installing one. If discrepancies are found, corrective actions must be completed before the next rescue hoist operation. All affected parts must be marked as serviceable following inspection, and only serviceable parts may be installed from the effective date.
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