EASA SIB AIR-22-03
Orolia S.A.S (formerly Kannad) - Emergency Locator Transmitter Retention Strap Inspection
Summary
The Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) AIR-22-03 issued by the FAA addresses the potential issue of Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) becoming loose from their mounting brackets on Robinson Helicopter Company Model R22, R44, and R66 helicopters. The affected ELTs are the Kannad Integra AF Model S1851501-02 units manufactured by Orolia S.A.S (formerly Kannad). This bulletin provides information and recommendations to ensure proper retention strap inspection and maintenance to prevent ELT detachment.
What Changed
This SAIB introduces awareness of a retention strap failure issue where the hook and loop strap on the Kannad Integra AF ELT may tear, causing the ELT to come loose and potentially damage the helicopter. It highlights previous FAA guidance from 2012 and Robinson Helicopter Company service letters issued in 2021 that recommend inspection and upgrade procedures for ELT installations. The bulletin does not mandate regulatory action but reinforces best practices for ELT retention.
Why It Matters
For aviation professionals, this bulletin underscores the importance of inspecting and maintaining ELT retention straps to prevent in-flight ELT detachment, which can cause noise, damage to the helicopter, and loss of the emergency locator function. Operators and maintenance teams must be aware of the potential failure mode to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of Robinson R22, R44, and R66 helicopters equipped with these ELTs.
What To Do
Owners and operators of Robinson R22, R44, and R66 helicopters with the Kannad Integra AF ELT should follow the FAA's SAIB HQ-12-32 recommendations for ELT maintenance and comply with Robinson Helicopter Company Service Letters SL-92, SL-81, and SL-39 dated June 30, 2021. These include periodic inspections and upgrading older installations with a properly installed secondary retention strap. No specific compliance deadline is provided, but timely adherence is advised to ensure safety.