Doors — Cargo Door Handle / Locking Mechanism — Inspection / Replacement
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2020-0094R1
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must inspect the left-hand and right-hand cargo door locking mechanisms within 110 flight hours after 12 May 2020 or 440 flight hours since the last inspection, whichever occurs first, and repeat inspections every 110 flight hours thereafter. Any deficiencies found must be corrected before the next flight. Additionally, the improved locking mechanism and handle must be installed within 880 flight hours or 24 months from 23 August 2021, whichever occurs first, to terminate the inspection requirements.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0188 is an airworthiness directive addressing the cargo door handle and locking mechanism on Airbus Helicopters EC 175 B models. It mandates inspections and replacement of the locking mechanism and handle to ensure proper operation and prevent in-flight cargo door opening. This directive applies to all EC 175 B helicopters except those with Airbus Helicopters modification 99A06087 incorporated during production.
What changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2020-0094R1 and retains its inspection requirements while introducing a mandatory installation of an improved cargo door locking mechanism and handle. The modification serves as a terminating action for the repetitive inspections previously required. It also reduces inspection intervals and compliance times compared to earlier directives.
Why it matters
The directive addresses a critical safety issue where cargo doors could open in flight due to locking mechanism failure, potentially causing damage or loss of helicopter control. For operators and maintenance teams, compliance ensures continued airworthiness and safety of the EC 175 B fleet. It also provides clear instructions for inspections, corrective actions, and a modification to mitigate the unsafe condition permanently.
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