Rotors Flight Control — Pilot Collective Pitch Stick Handle Grip — Replacement
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of SA 341 G and SA 342 J helicopters must replace all affected pilot collective pitch stick handle grips or complete sticks with serviceable parts within three months of 19 January 2023. From the effective date, installation of affected parts is prohibited. Maintenance personnel should follow the instructions in Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin SA341 67.06 and SA342 67.06 for the replacement procedure.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0002 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters SA 341 G and SA 342 J (Gazelle) helicopters. It addresses the replacement of pilot collective pitch stick handle grips with specific part numbers due to material degradation issues. The directive applies to handle grips installed before 15 June 2022 and requires replacement with serviceable parts to ensure flight control integrity.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a mandatory replacement of affected pilot collective pitch stick handle grips that are susceptible to aging-related material degradation. It requires operators to replace these handle grips or the complete pilot collective pitch stick with serviceable parts as defined by Airbus Helicopters. Additionally, it prohibits installation of affected parts from the effective date onward.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because failure of the pilot collective pitch stick handle grip can compromise the flight control system, potentially leading to loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to maintain airworthiness and ensure safety. Compliance teams need to track affected parts and ensure timely replacement to avoid regulatory violations and operational risks.
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