Stabilizers – Vertical Fin – Inspection; Placards and Markings – Interior Placards – Installation; Aircraft Flight Manual / Airspeed Limitations – Amendment
Superseded. Comply with 2023-0089, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2021-0099
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must amend the RFM and install placards indicating the reduced Vne within specified flight hour limits or within 7 days of the effective date. Visual inspections and detailed cleaning of the vertical fin spar and attachments must be performed within defined flight hour thresholds and repeated at intervals not exceeding 660 flight hours. Any discrepancies found during inspections require contacting Airbus Helicopters for approved repair instructions and immediate corrective action before further flight.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0075 is issued for Airbus Helicopters AS 350 and AS 355 models, addressing cracks found in the upper fin spar and fractured attachment screws. This directive mandates inspections, cleaning, and amendments to the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to include a reduced never-exceed speed (Vne) for affected helicopters. The directive applies to all serial numbers of AS 355 E, F, F1, F2, N, NP helicopters and AS 350 B3 helicopters except those with modification MOD 073148.
What changed
EASA AD 2023-0075 supersedes AD 2021-0099 and introduces amended compliance times for inspections on Group 2 helicopters. It also requires all AS 355 helicopters to have their RFM amended to include a reduced Vne speed limitation and installation of a corresponding placard. These changes follow new findings of cracks and fatigue damage in the vertical fin assembly and aim to enhance safety by preventing in-flight separation of the upper vertical fin.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent potential loss of control caused by structural failure of the vertical fin. It ensures continued airworthiness through mandatory inspections and operational limitations, reducing the risk of in-flight incidents. Compliance teams must update manuals and placards and adhere to revised inspection intervals to maintain regulatory compliance and flight safety.
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