EASA AD 2023-0101
Equipment/Furnishings — Life Raft Inflation System — Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0101 is an airworthiness directive issued by EASA affecting Leonardo S.p.A. AB139 and AW139 helicopters. It addresses the replacement of certain life raft inflation systems with specific part numbers that have been identified as potentially damaged due to improper shipment. The directive mandates replacement of affected life raft inflation systems to ensure safe evacuation capability.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a mandatory replacement requirement for life raft inflation systems with part numbers 202402A (45521002) and 202256A (45521003) installed on AB139 and AW139 helicopters. It prohibits installation of affected parts from the effective date and requires replacement within 300 flight hours or 12 months for helicopters with affected parts installed.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because damaged life raft inflation systems can fail to deploy in emergencies, compromising occupant safety during ditching. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and meet regulatory requirements, avoiding potential safety risks and regulatory penalties.
What To Do
Operators of AB139 and AW139 helicopters must identify if their aircraft have affected life raft inflation systems installed. For helicopters with affected parts, replacement with serviceable parts must be completed within 300 flight hours or 12 months from 29 May 2023. Additionally, no affected parts may be installed on any helicopter from the effective date onward.
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