Fire Protection — Fire Detectors — Replacement

Published: Dec 20, 2022
Effective: Jan 3, 2023
Deadline: Mar 4, 2023

AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.

What to do

Operators of AS 365 N3, EC 155 B, and EC 155 B1 helicopters must replace affected fire detectors on one engine within 30 flight hours or 60 days from 3 January 2023, whichever occurs first. Maintenance teams must follow Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletins AS365-26.00.12 and EC155-26A009 for replacement procedures. Installation of affected parts or engines is prohibited from the effective date onward.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0261 is an airworthiness directive addressing fire detector replacements on Airbus Helicopters AS 365 N3, EC 155 B, and EC 155 B1 models. It targets specific fire detectors with identified manufacturing non-compliance that may cause spurious engine fire warnings. The directive mandates replacement of affected fire detectors to ensure continued safe operation of these helicopters.

What changed

This new directive introduces mandatory replacement of certain fire detectors installed on the affected Airbus Helicopters AS 365 N3 and EC 155 models. It prohibits installation of the affected fire detectors or engines containing them from the effective date. The directive is based on findings of a manufacturing defect causing false engine fire warnings.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals because spurious engine fire warnings can lead to unnecessary engine shutdowns, potentially compromising helicopter control and safety. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to avoid in-flight shutdown risks and ensure regulatory compliance. It also impacts parts inventory management by restricting use of affected fire detectors and engines.

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