EASA AD US-2024-20-04: Pacific Scientific Company: Rotary Buckle Assemblies - Inspection / Reidentifying / Replacing

What to do

Operators must inspect the affected Pacific Scientific Company buckles for cracked, loose, or missing screw heads and follow prescribed reidentification or replacement procedures as outlined in the updated service bulletins. As an interim measure, the male side of the lap restraint may be removed and a placard installed to prohibit seat use until repairs are made. Compliance with this AD is mandatory by November 12, 2024, and comments on the rule must be submitted by December 9, 2024.

Summary

The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2024-20-04 supersedes AD 2024-01-11 and applies to all helicopters equipped with certain Pacific Scientific Company rotary buckle assemblies, specifically part numbers 1111475 (all dash numbers) and 1111548-01, manufactured between January 2012 and April 2013 inclusive or with unknown manufacture dates. This directive addresses a manufacturing defect in the screws inside these buckles that could lead to buckle failure and occupant restraint loss. The AD retains previous inspection and replacement requirements, expands applicability, and updates referenced service materials.

What changed

AD 2024-20-04 expands the applicability of the previous AD 2024-01-11 by including an additional affected screw lot and extending the date of manufacture range to April 2013. It updates the referenced Parker Meggitt service bulletins to Revision 002, which include expanded applicability, updated tooling information, and clarified procedures. The AD also introduces an optional measure allowing removal of the male side of the restraint lap and installation of a placard prohibiting seat use until corrective actions are completed.

Why it matters

This AD is critical for aviation professionals because the identified manufacturing defect in buckle screws can cause screw heads to separate under load, risking occupant restraint failure during flight. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain safety and airworthiness of affected helicopters. The expanded applicability and updated service information require careful review to avoid installation of unsafe buckles and to properly identify and rectify affected assemblies.