EASA AD 2024-0088
[Correction] Placards and Markings — Rear Facing Seat(s) — Placard Installation
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0088 is a safety directive addressing placard installation for rear facing seats on Leonardo AB139 and AW139 helicopters modified under EASA Supplemental Type Certificates 10030095 and 10017198. The directive mandates new placards instructing occupants to lock the seat headrest in the highest position during take-off and landing. This applies specifically to certain serial-numbered helicopters modified by Mecaer Aviation Group VIP Interiors.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0088 introduces a requirement to install new placards next to rear facing seats and amend the Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement to include instructions for locking the headrest in the highest position during critical flight phases. This AD corrects a previous typographical error in the reference publications section and formalizes the placard installation and manual amendment as mandatory actions.
Why It Matters
This directive is important for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential safety hazard that could cause injuries during emergency landings if rear facing seat headrests are not properly locked. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and passenger safety. Failure to comply could result in regulatory violations and increased risk to occupants.
What To Do
Operators of affected AB139 and AW139 helicopters must install the specified placards within 50 flight hours from the effective date of 29 April 2024, following Mecaer Aviation Group Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-AB1-079. Concurrently, they must amend the Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement as instructed. Compliance with these actions is mandatory to continue operation of the affected helicopters.