EASA AD 2024-0245
Doors — Jettison Mechanism for Bad Weather Window Emergency Exits — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0245 is an airworthiness directive addressing Airbus Helicopters EC 175 B helicopters. It mandates inspection of the jettison mechanism for the Bad Weather Window emergency exits on cockpit doors to identify potential cracks in connecting rods that could impair emergency egress. The directive applies to all serial numbers of EC 175 B helicopters and specifies affected part numbers for the jettison mechanisms and related assemblies.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a one-time visual inspection requirement for the Bad Weather Window jettison mechanisms on EC 175 B helicopters. It requires operators to inspect for cracks caused by a manufacturing defect involving a 'pin hole' in the connecting rods and mandates replacement or marking of parts based on inspection results. The directive also allows installation of affected parts only if they have passed inspection and are properly marked.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for ensuring the reliability of emergency escape systems on EC 175 B helicopters, particularly in scenarios involving water impact or ditching. Detecting and correcting cracks in the jettison mechanism prevents failure to jettison the Bad Weather Window, which could otherwise hinder crew evacuation and compromise safety. Compliance is essential for operators and maintenance organizations to maintain airworthiness and regulatory conformity.
What To Do
Operators must perform a one-time visual inspection of each affected jettison mechanism within 280 flight hours or 12 months after 27 December 2024, whichever occurs first. If discrepancies are found, the affected parts must be replaced within 50 flight hours. Parts that pass inspection must be marked accordingly before further flight. Installation of affected parts is only permitted if they have passed inspection and are marked as serviceable.