Doors — Side Stairway Door Locking Safety Mechanism — Inspection / Reconditioning / Modification
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2014-0241-E
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must inspect and, if necessary, recondition the locking safety mechanism before the next flight after November 6, 2014, and after each painting of the door or handle. Additionally, all affected helicopters must have the locking mechanism modified within 12 months of the directive's effective date, April 29, 2020. Completing the modification eliminates the need for repetitive inspections.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0087 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters SA 330, AS 332, and EC 225 models equipped with a left-hand side stairway door. The directive addresses the inspection, reconditioning, and modification of the side stairway door locking safety mechanism to prevent in-flight door opening incidents. It applies to all serial numbers except those already modified with specific Airbus Helicopters modifications.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0087 supersedes the previous AD 2014-0241-E and retains its inspection and reconditioning requirements while introducing a mandatory modification of the locking mechanism. The modification improves the locking system and adds visual confirmation of correct door locking, which serves as a terminating action for repetitive inspections.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk where the left-hand side stairway door could inadvertently open in flight, potentially causing damage to the helicopter or injury to persons on the ground. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and prevent unsafe conditions related to door locking mechanisms.
More for Airbus Helicopters SA 330
All 116- EASA AD 2021-0139R2Doors – Cabin Lateral Sliding Plug Door Emergency Jettisoning System – Inspection / ModificationOct 2, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0166Fuselage – Splice of Frame X5295 – InspectionAug 19, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0148Electrical Power – Direct Current Electrical Master Box – InspectionJul 28, 2026
- EASA AD 2023-0148R1Main Rotor Drive – Main Gearbox – Replacement; Placards and Markings – ENG1 Training Idle Switch – Installation / Operational RestrictionJul 24, 2026
Get the next one by email
New ADs and bulletins for Airbus Helicopters SA 330, Helicopters AS 332 and Helicopters EC 225, summarized like this page, every Monday.