EASA AD 2021-0287
[Correction] Equipment / Furnishings — Seat Belt Restraint System — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0287 is a correction issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency concerning the inspection of seat belt restraint systems installed on MBB-BK117 C-2, D-2, and D-3 helicopters modified with EASA Supplemental Type Certificates 10038915 or 10055175. The directive addresses potential incorrect installation of seat belt systems on pilot, co-pilot, and passenger seats supplied by Mecaer Aviation Group. It mandates a one-time inspection and corrective actions to ensure the proper functioning of safety belts.
What Changed
This correction updates the original AD by correcting a Supplemental Type Certificate number related to the affected seat belt restraint systems. The AD introduces a requirement for inspecting affected seat parts and performing necessary repairs or marking seats as inoperative to maintain safety compliance. It also clarifies acceptable alternative methods for compliance and installation of serviceable parts.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because improper installation of seat belt restraint systems can compromise occupant safety during flight. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to prevent potential injuries caused by malfunctioning safety belts. The directive provides clear instructions to maintain airworthiness and regulatory compliance for affected helicopters.
What To Do
Operators of MBB-BK117 C-2, D-2, and D-3 helicopters with affected seat belt restraint systems must inspect the seats within 3 months or 50 flight hours from 4 January 2022, whichever occurs first. Any discrepancies found must be corrected before the next flight. Alternative compliance methods include marking seats as inoperative or replacing affected parts with serviceable ones according to the instructions in the Mecaer Aviation Group Service Bulletin SB-EC1-010.
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