EASA AD 2021-0075
Fuselage — Splice of Frame X5295 — Inspection / Repair / Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0075 addresses inspection, repair, and modification requirements for the fuselage splice of frame X5295 on Airbus Helicopters AS 332 L2 and EC 225 LP models. It applies to helicopters equipped with extended aluminium splices installed under specific Airbus Helicopters modifications or service bulletins. The directive mandates inspections and corrective actions to detect and repair cracks that could compromise structural integrity.
What Changed
This directive supersedes EASA Emergency AD 2014-0098-E and introduces a requirement to replace aluminium splices with steel splices on frame X5295 when cracks are detected. It retains previous inspection requirements and adds new modification instructions to improve crack detection by cutting out junction profiles on cabin sliding door rail supports. The modification to steel splices is recognized as terminating action for repetitive inspections.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of affected helicopters by preventing undetected cracks from compromising the fuselage frame. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and safety. The directive provides clear inspection intervals and corrective procedures, helping compliance teams manage maintenance schedules and avoid potential in-flight failures.
What To Do
Operators must review helicopter records to determine modification status and flight hours related to aluminium splice installation. Inspections of the aluminium splices must be performed at specified intervals, with immediate corrective action required if cracks are found. Helicopters with detected cracks must be modified by replacing aluminium splices with steel splices before further flight. Compliance with inspection and modification requirements must begin by 30 April 2014 or within specified flight hour thresholds.
Your fleet's weekly compliance brief
AI-summarized regulatory changes, compliance deadlines, and action items — filtered to your aircraft, every Monday.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.