EASA AD 2021-0003
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2021-0196
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0003 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters AS 332 C, C1, L, L1, L2 and EC 225 LP models equipped with specific cabin plug doors (Part Numbers 332A221301.XX or 332AS251406.XX). The directive addresses the installation of additional emergency exit placards on cabin plug doors to improve passenger understanding of emergency door jettisoning procedures.
What Changed
This directive introduces a requirement to install additional emergency exit placards on both left-hand and right-hand cabin plug doors to replace or supplement existing placards that were found to be potentially confusing. It also allows installation of cabin plug doors only if the new placards are installed beforehand, ensuring consistent safety information is provided.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it enhances passenger safety by ensuring emergency exit instructions are clear and unambiguous, reducing the risk of failure to jettison cabin plug doors during emergencies. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to maintain airworthiness and regulatory approval, preventing potential injury during evacuations.
What To Do
Operators must install the additional emergency exit placards on applicable cabin plug doors within 12 months of the effective date, 20 January 2021, following the instructions in the applicable Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletins AS332-11.00.06 or EC225-11A002. From the effective date, any replacement cabin plug door must have the new placards installed prior to installation on the helicopter.
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AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.