Indicating / Recording Systems — Control Unit — Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2021-0168
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Airbus Helicopters AS 350 B2/B3, EC 130 B4, and EC 120 B must inspect and clean the affected control units within specified flight hour limits, perform repetitive inspections every 1,320 flight hours, and apply corrective actions if discrepancies are found. Group 1 helicopters equipped with EFS must be modified within 36 months of 25 January 2024, and the Rotorcraft Flight Manual must be amended accordingly. Only serviceable parts may be installed before modification, and reinstallation of EFS is allowed only after modification.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0018 is an airworthiness directive addressing inspection and modification requirements for the control units of Airbus Helicopters AS 350 B2/B3, EC 130 B4, and EC 120 B models. It mandates inspection, cleaning, and corrective actions for affected control units to prevent short circuits that could impair multiple systems including the Emergency Floatation System (EFS). This directive applies to all serial numbers of the specified helicopter models.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0018 supersedes AD 2021-0168 and partially retains its requirements while introducing a modification that relocates the EFS activation button to reduce the risk of short circuits. It also updates maintenance procedures to include scheduled cleaning of the affected control units and requires concurrent amendment of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual following modification.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk that could lead to loss of multiple helicopter systems, including the EFS, potentially compromising helicopter control and emergency water landing capabilities. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and prevent in-flight failures related to control unit faults. Compliance also ensures adherence to European Union aviation safety regulations.
More for Airbus Helicopters AS 350
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- EASA AD 2023-0214R1Fuselage – Tail Rotor Drive Shaft / Rear Transmission Bearing Support – Inspections / ModificationSep 16, 2026
- EASA AD 2024-0144R1Tail Rotor Drive – Shaft-Line – Check / Measurement / ModificationSep 16, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0146
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