EASA AD 2021-0194R1
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2024-0133
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0194R1 is a regulatory update affecting Airbus Helicopters AS 350 and EC 130 models, including variants B, BA, BB, B1, B2, B3, D, B4, and T2. This directive mandates compliance with updated airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks as specified in the latest Aircraft Maintenance Manual Chapter 04 Airworthiness Limitations Section revisions. It ensures continued airworthiness by enforcing life limits and maintenance intervals for critical components.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0194R1 revises the previous AD 2021-0194 and supersedes DGAC France AD F-2005-158 by incorporating new and more restrictive maintenance tasks and life limits into the applicable Airworthiness Limitations Section. It consolidates requirements from earlier ADs including 2015-0132, 2010-0006, and 2015-0094, and updates the approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme accordingly. The revision also includes specific tail rotor drive shaft maintenance actions previously mandated by the DGAC AD.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams to ensure the safe operation of affected Airbus Helicopters models by mandating adherence to updated maintenance tasks and life limits. Failure to comply could lead to unsafe conditions due to overlooked or outdated maintenance requirements. It also streamlines compliance by integrating multiple previous directives into a single updated maintenance framework.
What To Do
Operators must replace components before exceeding life limits and perform all maintenance tasks within specified intervals as per the applicable Airworthiness Limitations Section starting from 3 September 2021. They must revise their approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme within 12 months after this date to incorporate the updated limitations and tasks. In case of discrepancies found during maintenance, corrective actions must be taken within specified compliance times or before the next flight if no time is specified.
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