EASA AD 2022-0023
Air Conditioning — Air Conditioning System — Deactivation
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0023 is an airworthiness directive addressing the air conditioning system on Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH EC135 and EC635 helicopter models. It targets helicopters with specific serial numbers equipped with an affected air conditioning system soft start unit part number ES59185-2 installed on compressor/condenser pallets P/N 135-0553-1 or P/N 135-0566-2. The directive mandates deactivation of the air conditioning system to prevent electrical malfunctions.
What Changed
This new directive introduces a requirement to deactivate the air conditioning system on affected EC135 and EC635 helicopters due to identified malfunctions caused by the soft start unit. It prohibits installation of the affected parts or compressor/condenser pallets from the effective date onward. This AD is an interim safety action with potential for further follow-up directives.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential electrical safety hazard that could lead to overheating and failure of helicopter electrical systems. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and prevent unsafe conditions. It also impacts parts installation policies and ongoing maintenance planning.
What To Do
Operators of affected EC135 and EC635 helicopters must deactivate the air conditioning system within three months or 100 flight hours from the effective date of 17 February 2022, whichever occurs first. Additionally, no affected parts or compressor/condenser pallets may be installed on any helicopter from the effective date onward. Compliance must follow the instructions in Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC135-21A-024.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.