Airworthiness DirectiveSupersededEASA AD 2021-0168

Indicating / Recording Systems – Control Unit – Inspection

Superseded. Comply with 2024-0018, which replaces this document.

Published: Jul 16, 2021
Effective: Jul 30, 2021
Deadline: Jul 30, 2021

Airbus Helicopters AS 350

AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.

What to do

Operators of affected Airbus Helicopters AS350 B2/B3, EC130 B4, and EC120 B models must perform inspections and cleaning of the specified control units within the compliance times outlined, which vary based on flight hours and helicopter group. Repetitive inspections are required for certain groups at intervals not exceeding 1,320 flight hours. Any discrepancies found must be corrected before further flight, and only serviceable parts may be installed or reinstalled following the directive's procedures.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0168 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters AS350 B2 and B3, EC130 B4, and EC120 B models. It addresses a potential unsafe condition involving control units that may develop short circuits due to foreign object damage or dust, which can lead to loss of multiple systems including the Emergency Floatation System (EFS). The directive mandates inspections and cleaning of affected control units to ensure continued airworthiness.

What changed

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0168 introduces mandatory one-time and repetitive inspections and cleaning of specific control units installed on certain Airbus Helicopters models. It defines helicopter groups based on the presence of affected parts and EFS installation, and sets compliance times for inspections and corrective actions. The directive also establishes conditions for installation and reinstallation of affected parts to prevent recurrence of the unsafe condition.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk that could lead to loss of multiple helicopter systems, including the EFS, potentially compromising emergency water landing capabilities. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent in-flight failures caused by short circuits in control units. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and operational safety of affected helicopters.

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