EASA AD 2021-0149
Equipment / Furnishings — Emergency Flashlight — Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0149 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency concerning Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH EC135 and EC635 helicopter models. It addresses the replacement of emergency flashlights with part number 11359000001 due to safety concerns. The directive applies to all variants and serial numbers up to 820 inclusive of these helicopter models.
What Changed
This new directive requires the replacement of affected emergency flashlights with serviceable parts having part number L335M0001101. It prohibits the installation or reinstallation of the affected flashlights and mandates modification instructions provided in Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC135-25A-032. The directive introduces compliance requirements to mitigate the risk of restricted collective lever movement caused by flashlight strap entanglement.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety hazard that could reduce helicopter control and potentially cause damage or injury. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and avoid operational restrictions. The replacement of affected emergency flashlights is essential to prevent incidents related to control interference during flight.
What To Do
Operators of affected EC135 and EC635 helicopters must replace each emergency flashlight with the specified serviceable part within 12 months from the effective date of 2021-07-05. Installation of affected flashlights is prohibited from the effective date for helicopters without the affected part and after replacement for those with it. Compliance must follow the modification instructions in the Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC135-25A-032.
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