EASA AD 2025-0242
[Correction] Rotorcraft Flight Manual — Emergency Procedures Section — Amendment; Integrated Modular Avionics — Ethernet Network — Inspection / Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0242 is a regulatory amendment affecting Airbus Helicopters H160-B models with specific serial numbers. It addresses issues in the Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) Ethernet network and updates the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) Emergency Procedures section. The directive mandates inspections, operational limitations, and software modifications to ensure continued airworthiness and safe operation.
What Changed
This amendment corrects a typographical error and introduces a mandatory modification to install HELIONIX V11 software on affected H160-B helicopters, which serves as terminating action for previous repetitive inspections. It also requires updating the RFM with new emergency procedures and airworthiness limitations. Concurrently, EASA AD 2022-0168 is revised to remove H160-B helicopters from its applicability.
Why It Matters
The directive addresses critical design deficiencies in the Helionix Ethernet network that could cause multiple multi-function display failures, potentially reducing pilot situational awareness and helicopter control. Compliance ensures that operators mitigate these risks through inspections, operational limitations, and software upgrades. This is essential for maintaining safety, regulatory compliance, and minimizing operational disruptions.
What To Do
Operators must perform repetitive checks of the IMA Ethernet network within 55 flight hours after 15 July 2022 and at intervals not exceeding 110 flight hours, applying corrective actions as needed. They must amend the RFM emergency procedures within 7 days after 26 August 2022 and complete the HELIONIX V11 software modification within 31 months after 11 November 2025. Following modification, updated maintenance tasks and airworthiness limitations must be incorporated and adhered to.