Equipment / Furnishings — Cyclic Stick Grip UP/DOWN Hoist Control Switch — Modification
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2020-0217-E
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Group 1 helicopters must install a placard and amend the Rotorcraft Flight Manual before the next hoist operation after 8 October 2020. They must complete the wiring modification within 165 flight hours or 13 months from 2 February 2021, and then remove the placard and RFM amendment. Group 2 helicopters may be modified to Group 1 only if the wiring modification is done concurrently.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0023 is an airworthiness directive issued by EASA concerning Airbus Helicopters AS 350 and AS 355 models. It addresses the cyclic stick grip UP/DOWN hoist control switch, specifically the affected UP/DOWN switches with Part Number AC66444 installed on DUNLOP cyclic stick grips. The directive mandates modifications to prevent unintended activation of the rescue hoist cable cutter function.
What changed
This directive supersedes the previous Emergency AD 2020-0217-E and introduces a mandatory modification of the electrical wiring of the hoist control on affected helicopters. It requires removal of previously installed placards and Rotorcraft Flight Manual amendments after the modification is completed. The directive also allows helicopters to be modified into Group 1 status only if the wiring modification is concurrently performed.
Why it matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk involving unintended release of the rescue hoist hook, which could cause injury to personnel or bystanders. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and avoid operational restrictions. Compliance ensures safe hoist operation and prevents inadvertent activation of the cable cutter function during flight or ground operations.
More for Airbus Helicopters AS 350
All 99- EASA AD 2025-0159R1Placards and Markings – Unlock Sliding Door – InstallationOct 19, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0052R2Instruments – Fuse Cover Attachment of Circuit Breaker Panel – ModificationSep 24, 2026
- EASA AD 2023-0214R1Fuselage – Tail Rotor Drive Shaft / Rear Transmission Bearing Support – Inspections / ModificationSep 16, 2026
- EASA AD 2024-0144R1Tail Rotor Drive – Shaft-Line – Check / Measurement / ModificationSep 16, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0146
Get the next one by email
New ADs and bulletins for Airbus Helicopters AS 350, Helicopters EC 130 and Helicopters AS 355, summarized like this page, every Monday.