EASA AD 2025-0287
Powerplant — Fuel Draining System — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0287 is an airworthiness directive addressing Airbus Helicopters AS 355 series, including AS 355 E, F, F1, F2, N, and NP models. It mandates inspections and corrective actions for the fuel draining system's rear cargo compartment hoses, specifically part number 350A21010123, to prevent potential damage from hot air leakage and fire risks. The directive includes operational checks, installation of thermal paper, and silicone tape application to affected parts.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory inspections of engine drain valves and affected fuel draining system hoses, installation of thermal paper on drain pipes, and repetitive inspections with replacement requirements. It also specifies corrective actions such as replacing damaged hoses with serviceable parts and applying silicone tape. The directive establishes compliance timelines and conditions for reinstalling affected parts.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent potential fire hazards and damage caused by hose failure in the fuel draining system of AS 355 helicopters. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft safety and airworthiness, avoiding operational disruptions and regulatory penalties. The inspections and corrective measures help mitigate risks of undetected fires and loss of helicopter control.
What To Do
Operators of AS 355 helicopters must perform operational checks and inspections within specified flight hour limits—165 FH for Group 1 and 110 FH for Group 2 helicopters—starting from 31 December 2025. They must install thermal paper and silicone tape on affected parts, conduct repetitive inspections, and replace parts or thermal paper as needed. Compliance with all inspection and corrective actions is mandatory before further flight if discrepancies are found.