EASA AD 2023-0204-E
SUPERSEDED BY EASA EMERGENCY AD 2024-0007-E
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0204-E is an emergency directive addressing a safety issue in Hélicoptères Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopters. It mandates inspections of the pilot and co-pilot cyclic stick bases, specifically parts with P/N G41-42-801, G41-43-801, and G41-43-802, due to reported cracks that could lead to loss of helicopter control. The directive applies to all serial numbers of the Cabri G2 helicopter.
What Changed
This directive introduces mandatory inspections of the affected cyclic stick bases to detect cracks caused by fatigue from pre-flight checks. It updates inspection methods based on revised service bulletin HG SB 23-006 Revision B and requires corrective actions if cracks are found, including part replacement or removal of dual controls. It also allows installation of only serviceable parts from the effective date.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent potential failure of cyclic stick bases, which could result in loss of helicopter control. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and safety of Cabri G2 helicopters. It also impacts maintenance scheduling and parts management due to required recurrent inspections every 60 flight hours.
What To Do
Operators must inspect affected cyclic stick bases within specified compliance times based on flight hours accumulated since new, with immediate inspection required for parts over 1500 flight hours. Inspections must then be repeated every 60 flight hours. If cracks are found, operators must contact Hélicoptères Guimbal for approved replacement instructions or remove the co-pilot cyclic stick as an alternative. Only serviceable parts may be installed from 22 November 2023 onward.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.