Equipment / Furnishings — Emergency Release Control of Cargo-Swing Installation — Inspection
- Published
- Effective
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Airbus Helicopters must perform an inspection of the ONBOARD systems 3500LB emergency release control within 30 days or 100 sling cycles from 6 February 2025, whichever occurs first. If inspection reveals out-of-tolerance conditions, the cargo swing emergency release control must be adjusted or the dropping control replaced before the next flight, following the instructions in the applicable Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletins. Compliance with these actions is mandatory to continue operation.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0025 is an airworthiness directive issued by EASA concerning Airbus Helicopters AS 350 B2, AS 350 B3, AS 355 NP, AS 355 N, and EC 130 B4 models equipped with ONBOARD systems 3500LB having Part Number 704A41811035. The directive mandates inspection and potential adjustment or replacement of the emergency release control of the cargo-swing installation to ensure safe operation. This directive addresses a safety issue related to the incorrect adjustment of the release cable that could lead to loss of load during cargo swing operations.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0025 introduces a new requirement for a one-time inspection of the affected cargo swing emergency release control parts on specified Airbus Helicopters models. Depending on inspection results, corrective actions such as adjustment or replacement of the dropping control are mandated. This AD does not supersede any previous directives but establishes new compliance requirements to mitigate the identified unsafe condition.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk involving potential loss of cargo load during helicopter sling operations, which could result in injury to persons on the ground. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and prevent accidents. The directive also clarifies the inspection and corrective procedures, helping maintenance teams perform the required actions correctly and timely.
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