EASA SIB 2015-24: SIRS Magnetic Standby Compasses - Material Degradation of Lead and Socket Assembly

What to do

Affected operators and organizations should replace parts listed in the referenced Service Bulletin CE2-A26-34-001 revision 4 or later. For other parts, they must perform visual inspections and insulation resistance tests, replacing any leads that fail these checks or have insulation resistance below 10KΩ. Any replaced leads should be reported to the equipment manufacturer and returned upon request. Additionally, any smoke, fume, or flame events must be reported to the Type Certificate or Supplemental Type Certificate holders and to EASA.

Summary

EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2015-24 is an airworthiness bulletin addressing material degradation issues in the lead and socket assemblies of SIRS Magnetic Standby Compasses. The bulletin applies to various aircraft fitted with these compasses, including models from Beechcraft, Bombardier, Airbus Helicopters, Airbus, Sukhoi, Dassault, ATR, Gulfstream, Fokker, Bell Helicopters, BAE Systems, Embraer, Pilatus, and SAAB. It reports incidents of fumes and small flames caused by defective lead assemblies manufactured in July 2011.

What changed

This bulletin introduces safety information regarding the detection of material degradation in specific lead and socket assemblies of SIRS Magnetic Standby Compasses. It highlights a batch of defective lead assemblies and recommends inspections and replacements but does not mandate Airworthiness Directive action at this time. The bulletin also encourages reporting of any smoke, fume, or flame events related to these components.

Why it matters

This information is critical for aviation professionals to prevent potential in-flight hazards such as smoke or fire originating from standby compass lighting assemblies. Operators, design approval holders, and production organizations must be aware of the issue to maintain aircraft safety and support ongoing investigations. Early detection and replacement of defective parts help ensure continued airworthiness and operational safety.