EASA AD 2021-0142
Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — Airworthiness Limitations Section — Amendment
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0142 is an amendment addressing time limits and maintenance checks in the Airworthiness Limitations Section for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland BO105 series helicopters, including variants BO105 A, C, D, S, LS A-1, and LS A-3 (including the 'Superlifter' modification). It mandates compliance with updated life limits and maintenance requirements for critical components such as Bendix and Lord tension-torsion (TT) straps. The directive ensures continued airworthiness by enforcing the latest approved maintenance manual revisions.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0142 supersedes previous ADs and incorporates new and more restrictive life limits for TT-straps into the applicable Airworthiness Limitations Sections. It introduces mandatory replacement timelines for TT-straps exceeding specified storage and total life limits and prohibits installation of Bendix TT-straps from the effective date. The directive also requires operators to revise their approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme within 12 months to include these updated limitations.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent unsafe conditions caused by exceeding component life limits, particularly for TT-straps on BO105 helicopters. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory conformity under EU regulations, reducing the risk of component failure. It also streamlines maintenance planning by mandating AMP revisions to incorporate the latest safety requirements.
What To Do
Operators must replace life-limited parts such as TT-straps before exceeding specified life limits and immediately replace any TT-strap exceeding 17 years total life within two months of the effective date. Installation of Bendix TT-straps is prohibited from 1 July 2021. Additionally, operators must revise their approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme within 12 months of 1 July 2021 to incorporate the updated Airworthiness Limitations Section requirements.
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