EASA AD 2023-0030
Lights — Landing Search Lights — Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0030 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters EC 225 LP models. It addresses the modification of landing search lights, specifically the additional and optional search light with part number 4307405, to ensure proper electrical bonding. The directive applies to all EC 225 LP helicopters except those with modification MC29201 already incorporated during production.
What Changed
This new directive introduces a mandatory modification to install an electrical bonding braid on the affected landing search lights to prevent potential lightning strike damage. It also establishes conditions for installing the affected search light parts on helicopters, requiring concurrent modification. The directive provides compliance instructions via Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC225-33A018.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk where missing electrical bonding could lead to total electrical distribution loss during a lightning strike, potentially reducing helicopter control. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and prevent in-flight electrical failures. Compliance also ensures adherence to European Union aviation safety regulations.
What To Do
Operators of Group 1 EC 225 LP helicopters with the affected search light must complete the modification within 1,320 flight hours or 24 months from 16 February 2023, whichever occurs first. For Group 2 helicopters without the affected part, installation of the search light is only permitted if the modification is done concurrently. Maintenance teams should follow the instructions in Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC225-33A018 to comply.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.