EASA AD 2024-0045
Fuel — Fuel Filter — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0045 is an airworthiness directive affecting Airbus Helicopters AS 332 C, C1, L, L1, L2 and EC 225 LP models delivered before 15 February 2024. It mandates inspection of fuel filters, specifically part number 4020P25-5, for cracks on both outer and inner surfaces to prevent potential dual engine shutdowns. The directive updates previous inspection requirements to enhance safety related to fuel filter bowl cracking.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0045 supersedes AD 2023-0095 and expands the inspection scope to include the inner surface of the affected fuel filter bowls. It introduces revised conditions for installation, allowing only serviceable parts to be installed. This AD also retains previous inspection requirements but extends corrective actions based on new findings.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because undetected cracks in fuel filter bowls can lead to engine flameouts and potential dual engine shutdowns, severely compromising helicopter control. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and safety. The expanded inspection scope helps identify issues earlier, reducing the risk of in-flight failures.
What To Do
Operators must inspect both right-hand and left-hand fuel filter bowls, including outer and inner surfaces, within 55 flight hours or 30 days from 1 March 2024, whichever comes first. Any detected discrepancies require immediate replacement of the affected part with a serviceable one before the next flight. Only serviceable fuel filters may be installed on helicopters from the effective date onward.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.