EASA AD 2023-0110
Fire Protection — Fire Detectors — Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0110 is issued to address fire detector replacement on SAFRAN Helicopter Engines ARRIEL 1 series engines installed on helicopters such as Airbus Helicopters SA 365 variants and Leonardo Helicopters A109K2. The directive mandates replacement of specific fire detectors identified by part and serial numbers due to manufacturing non-compliance causing spurious engine fire warnings. This AD applies to all serial numbers of ARRIEL 1C, 1C1, 1C2, 1K, and 1K1 engines.
What Changed
EASA AD 2023-0110 supersedes the previous AD 2022-0256 and expands the applicability to include additional ARRIEL 1 engine models. It retains the requirement to replace affected fire detectors and prohibits installation of these parts on any engine from the specified reference dates. The directive also accepts prior compliance with SAFRAN Mandatory Alert Service Bulletin A292 26 0864 Version A as meeting the replacement requirement.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because the affected fire detectors may trigger false engine fire warnings, potentially leading to unintended engine shutdowns and reduced helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft safety and airworthiness. Non-compliance could result in operational disruptions and regulatory penalties.
What To Do
Operators must replace affected fire detectors on ARRIEL 1 engines within 30 flight hours or 60 days from the applicable reference date, which varies by engine model. Installation of affected parts is prohibited from the reference dates onward. Compliance can be demonstrated by following SAFRAN's Mandatory Alert Service Bulletin A292 26 0864 instructions or prior approved replacements.
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