Equipment / Furnishings — Personal Locator Beacons installed on Emergency Life-Rafts — Operational Check
Proposal for consultation. Not binding until EASA issues the final AD; the requirements can still change.
- Published
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of EC 175 B helicopters must perform a one-time operational check of the specified PLBs within 440 flight hours or 6 months from the directive's effective date. If any defects are found, corrective actions must be completed before the next flight. Installation of affected PLBs or life-raft systems equipped with them is only permitted if the parts pass the operational check as per the Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC175-25-68-0001.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 26-026 is a proposed directive addressing the operational check of Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) installed on emergency life-rafts of Airbus Helicopters EC 175 B models. It applies to all serial numbers of EC 175 B helicopters and focuses on specific PLB part numbers U256M30T1001 and 704A45737082. The directive aims to ensure the functionality of these PLBs to enhance safety during emergency situations.
What changed
This new proposed Airworthiness Directive introduces a mandatory one-time operational check of affected PLBs installed on EC 175 B helicopters within 440 flight hours or 6 months after the effective date. It requires corrective actions if discrepancies are found during the check and allows installation of affected parts only if they pass the operational check. This directive is an interim measure and may be followed by further actions.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses potential failures of emergency locator beacons that could delay rescue operations after a ditching. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to prevent safety risks associated with defective or discharged PLB batteries. It helps maintain the reliability of emergency equipment, which is vital for crew and passenger safety.
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- EASA AD 2026-0022-EFuselage — Intermediate Fuselage Frame 8 — Inspection
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