EASA AD 2025-0279: Fuselage — Cargo Bay — Inspection

What to do

Operators of Airbus Helicopters H160-B delivered before 21 October 2025 must inspect the specified cargo bay area within 165 flight hours from 24 December 2025, the effective date of the directive. If the fire-resistant sealant is missing, it must be applied before the next flight. Maintenance teams should follow the instructions detailed in Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin H160-53-40-0001.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0279 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters H160-B models delivered before 21 October 2025. The directive mandates inspection of the cargo bay fuselage area near the fuel segregation box to ensure the presence of fire-resistant sealant. It aims to maintain the fire-resistant integrity of the cargo compartment.

What changed

This new airworthiness directive introduces a mandatory inspection requirement for the frame 4 right side upper corner of the cargo bay on H160-B helicopters. If the fire-resistant sealant is found missing, corrective action to apply the sealant must be taken before further flight. The directive is based on Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin H160-53-40-0001 issued in December 2025.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential safety risk that could compromise fire resistance in the cargo bay, potentially affecting helicopter control in case of fire. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to avoid unsafe conditions and regulatory violations. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and operational safety of affected H160-B helicopters.

What to do

Summary

What changed

Why it matters

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