Stabilizers – Vertical Fin – Inspection; Placards and Markings – Interior Placards – Installation; Aircraft Flight Manual / Airspeed Limitations – Amendment
Superseded. Comply with 2024-0139, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2023-0075
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must amend the Rotorcraft Flight Manual and install placards to reflect the temporary reduced Vne within specified flight hour limits or within seven days of the directive's effective date. Visual inspections and detailed cleaning of the vertical fin spar and attachments must be performed at defined intervals, with more frequent inspections following maintenance flights that exceed the temporary speed limit. Compliance deadlines vary by helicopter group and flight hours accumulated, with the effective date set as 2023-05-18.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0089 is an airworthiness directive affecting Airbus Helicopters AS 350 B3 and AS 355 series helicopters. It addresses inspection and maintenance requirements for the upper fin assembly to prevent potential in-flight separation due to cracks and fractured attachment screws. The directive includes amendments to flight manuals, placard installations, and inspection intervals to ensure continued airworthiness.
What changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2023-0075 and retains its requirements while adding new inspections before and after certain maintenance flights. It introduces a temporary reduction of the never-exceed speed (Vne) for AS 355 helicopters and mandates amendments to the Rotorcraft Flight Manual and placard installations. Additionally, it corrects compliance times for Group 2 helicopters and provides instructions for maintenance flights exceeding the temporary speed limit under specific conditions.
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. Compliance ensures the safety and airworthiness of affected helicopters by mandating timely inspections and operational limitations. It also clarifies maintenance flight procedures, helping maintenance teams avoid inadvertent damage while performing necessary tests.
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