Doors — Door Star Support — Modification
- Published
- Effective
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of EC 130 B4 helicopters with affected composite doors must modify the door locking/unlocking mechanism within 24 months of 19 December 2024, following the instructions in Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC130-52A019 Revision 01. Installation of affected door parts is prohibited unless the modification has been performed. Helicopters previously modified per the original ASB issue are considered compliant.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0232 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting all Airbus Helicopters EC 130 B4 models. It addresses a safety issue related to the door star support mechanism on composite doors, including sliding and swing doors with specific part numbers. The directive mandates modifications to improve the door locking and unlocking mechanism to prevent evacuation delays in emergencies.
What changed
This new directive requires modification of the door star support on affected EC 130 B4 helicopters using improved instructions for rod ends replacement and installation of reinforcements. It corrects a previous oversight by including helicopters that have embodied EC MOD 07 3796, which were erroneously excluded from the applicability of the earlier AD 2020-0095. The directive also prohibits installation of affected parts on any helicopter after the effective date unless the modification is completed.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potentially life-threatening issue where passengers could be unable to open helicopter doors after landing, delaying evacuation in emergencies. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and safety. It also clarifies applicability and installation restrictions, impacting parts management and maintenance planning.
More for Airbus Helicopters AS 350
All 99- EASA AD 2025-0159R1Placards and Markings – Unlock Sliding Door – InstallationOct 19, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0052R2Instruments – Fuse Cover Attachment of Circuit Breaker Panel – ModificationSep 24, 2026
- 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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