EASA AD 2022-0231
Power Plant — Central Firewall Stiffener — Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0231 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters SA 365, AS 365, and EC 155 models. It addresses the replacement of the aluminium central firewall stiffener in the engine compartment with a titanium stiffener to prevent fire propagation between engine compartments. This directive applies to all serial numbers of the specified helicopter models.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a mandatory replacement of the aluminium central firewall stiffener, part numbers 365A58-1102-NE or 365A58-1475-20, with a titanium stiffener, part numbers 365A58-1475-2151 or 365A58-1475-2251. It prohibits installation of the affected aluminium parts on any helicopter after the effective date. The directive also defines helicopter groups based on whether the affected part is installed and sets compliance requirements accordingly.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because the aluminium stiffener may fail to withstand high temperatures during an engine fire, risking fire spread and potential loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and safety. The replacement improves fire containment in the engine compartment, directly impacting operational safety and regulatory compliance.
What To Do
Operators of Group 1 helicopters, those with the aluminium stiffener installed, must replace the affected part with the titanium stiffener within 600 flight hours or 24 months from 12 December 2022, whichever occurs first. Installation of aluminium stiffeners is prohibited on all helicopters from the effective date. Maintenance teams should follow the Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletins AS365-71.00.28 or EC155-71A015 for replacement instructions.
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