Placards and Markings — Emergency Exit Placards — Installation
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2021-0003
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must install the additional emergency exit placards on affected cabin plug doors within 12 months of the relevant compliance dates: by 20 January 2022 for part numbers 332A221301.XX and 332A251406.XX, and by 6 September 2022 for part number 332P222000.XX. Installation must follow the instructions in the applicable Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletins. Any cabin plug door installed after the effective date must have the placards installed beforehand.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0196 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters AS 332 and EC 225 models equipped with specific cabin plug doors. The directive mandates the installation of additional emergency exit placards on cabin plug doors to ensure clear and accurate instructions for emergency door operation. This AD applies to helicopters with cabin plug door part numbers 332A221301.XX, 332A251406.XX, and 332P222000.XX.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0196 supersedes AD 2021-0003 and expands the applicability to include an additional cabin plug door part number 332P222000.XX. It also introduces improved installation instructions and additional tolerances for the emergency exit placards. The AD retains previous requirements while updating the service bulletin revisions and compliance timelines.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential safety risk where confusing emergency exit placards could hinder the jettisoning of cabin plug doors during an emergency. Proper installation of the updated placards ensures safe evacuation procedures, reducing the risk of injury to occupants. Operators and maintenance teams must comply to maintain airworthiness and regulatory approval for operation.
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