EASA SIB 2017-18R2: Airbus Helicopters AS 350 / EC 130 Helicopters - Installation of Crash Resistant Fuel System

What to do

Operators of affected Airbus Helicopters AS 350 and EC 130 models are recommended to incorporate the applicable crash resistant fuel system modifications listed in the bulletin to improve safety. Stakeholders should review the specific STC or major change approvals for any operational limitations and consult EASA or Airbus Helicopters for technical support. There are no mandatory compliance deadlines or Airworthiness Directive requirements at this time.

Summary

EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2017-18R2 is an airworthiness bulletin addressing the installation of crash resistant fuel systems on Airbus Helicopters AS 350 and EC 130 models, specifically including AS 350 B3 helicopters with Safran Arriel 2D engines and EC 130 B4 helicopters. The bulletin provides information on approved Supplemental Type Certificates and major changes related to crash resistant fuel system modifications to enhance post-crash fire protection.

What changed

This revision updates the previous EASA SIB 2017-18R1 by including recent approvals of Airbus Helicopters STC 10060852 Rev. 01 and STC 10061056 Rev. 01 extending crash resistant fuel system installations to EC 130 B4 helicopters. It also incorporates EASA Major Change 10072097, which introduces the crash resistant fuel system on all AS 350 B3 helicopters as part of the type certificate, confirming compatibility with underbelly cargo hook installations.

Why it matters

The bulletin informs operators and maintenance organizations that installing the approved crash resistant fuel system modifications can significantly reduce the risk of post-crash fires and increase occupant escape time after survivable crashes. Although the recommendations are not mandatory, they represent important safety enhancements for the AS 350 and EC 130 helicopter fleets that mostly predate modern fuel system crashworthiness standards.