Heated Main Rotor Blades - Check / Replacement
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AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must inspect affected main rotor blades for neoprene layer cohesion according to the referenced Alert Service Bulletin. Blades with less than 100 flight hours require inspection before the next flight, while those with 100 or more hours must be inspected by September 30, 2008. If cohesion loss is detected, the blade must be removed and replaced before further flight; if no loss is found, repair and return to service per instructions.
Summary
EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2008-69 is an informational document addressing the inspection and potential replacement of heated main rotor blades on Eurocopter EC 225 LP helicopters. It specifically concerns main rotor blades part number 332A11-0055-00 equipped with de-icer assemblies having serial numbers below 400 and not repaired per specified repair sheets. The bulletin references a French DGAC Emergency Airworthiness Directive and Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin 01A002.
What changed
This bulletin introduces mandatory checks for cohesion between neoprene layers in the heated leading edge de-icer assemblies on affected main rotor blades. It requires inspection before flight for blades with less than 100 flight hours and by September 30, 2008, for those with 100 or more hours. Depending on inspection results, blades must be either repaired or replaced to prevent potential loss of the stainless steel protective strip.
Why it matters
The issue involves a manufacturing non-conformity that can lead to separation of neoprene layers in the de-icer, causing mass imbalance and vibrations that may force immediate landing. Loss of the protective strip in flight poses a safety hazard to people on the ground. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must address this to ensure flight safety and regulatory compliance.
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