EASA AD 2024-0146
Fuel — Fuel Tanks — Mounting Plates of Fuel Tank Bleed Valves — Inspection / Repair / Replacement / Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0146 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters EC 175 B models. It addresses corrosion issues found on the mounting plates of fuel tank bleed valves installed on specific flexible fuel tanks with part numbers 509505-5, 509506-5, 509507-4, and 509510-5. The directive mandates inspection, repair, replacement, and modification of these parts to ensure continued airworthiness.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory inspections and corrective actions for corrosion found on the bleed valve mounting plates of affected fuel tanks on EC 175 B helicopters. It requires operators to inspect these parts within specified flight hour or calendar time thresholds, perform repairs or replacements as needed, and apply modifications to prevent future corrosion.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because corrosion on the fuel tank bleed valve mounting plates can lead to valve loosening, in-flight fuel leakage, and reduced structural integrity, increasing the risk of post-crash fire. Compliance ensures the safety and reliability of the fuel system, protecting both crew and passengers and maintaining regulatory compliance for operators and maintenance organizations.
What To Do
Operators of EC 175 B helicopters must inspect the affected fuel tank bleed valve mounting plates within 18 months or 1,760 flight hours for Group 1 helicopters, and within 3 months or 110 flight hours for Group 2 helicopters, whichever occurs first. If corrosion is found, corrective actions including repair or replacement must be performed before the next flight, followed by mandatory modification of the affected parts. Any affected fuel tank installed after the effective date must have passed inspection and modification prior to installation.
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