Doors — Sliding Door Star Support — Modification

Published: Apr 29, 2020
Effective: May 13, 2020
Deadline: May 13, 2022
Replaces: 2015-0020

AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.

What to do

Operators of affected EC 120 B and EC 130 B4 helicopters must modify the sliding door locking mechanism within 24 months from 13 May 2020, following the applicable Alert Service Bulletin instructions. Installation of affected sliding door parts is prohibited after modification or from the effective date for helicopters without affected parts. Earlier modifications done per original ASB issues are acceptable for compliance.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0095 is issued for Airbus Helicopters EC 120 B and EC 130 B4 models to address issues with the sliding door star support. The directive applies to specific serial numbers and affected sliding door parts with part numbers C526A2370101 and C526S1101051. It mandates modifications to the door locking and unlocking mechanism to ensure safe evacuation.

What changed

This directive supersedes EASA AD 2015-0020 and expands the applicability to include more helicopter serial numbers and configurations. It introduces improved instructions for replacing rod ends and installing reinforcements in the sliding door star support mechanism. The updated Alert Service Bulletins EC120-52A018 and EC130-52A019 Revision 01 provide the detailed modification procedures.

Why it matters

The modification addresses a critical safety issue where passengers could be trapped inside the helicopter due to sliding door failure, potentially delaying evacuation during emergencies. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and passenger safety, reducing the risk of injury. Operators and maintenance teams must update their procedures to incorporate the improved locking mechanism instructions.

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