EASA SIB NE-19-03: Air Cruisers Company / Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems - Escape Slides - Maintenance Tasks and Intervals

What to do

Operators and certificated repair facilities should review Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems Service Information Letter 25-346 dated December 13, 2018, and implement the revised ZAES Component Maintenance Manuals as applicable. They should prioritize inspection and testing of evacuation slides and slide/raft systems that are 15 years or older, adhering to the updated maintenance intervals and procedures. No mandatory compliance deadline is specified, but timely adoption is recommended to maintain airworthiness.

Summary

The FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SAIB: NE-19-03 provides updated maintenance tasks and intervals for Air Cruisers Company and Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems (ZAES) escape slides and slide/raft systems, particularly those aged 15 years and older. It affects various aircraft models equipped with ZAES evacuation slides, including Boeing MD-80 series and others covered by specific ZAES Component Maintenance Manuals. The bulletin aims to enhance inspection and testing protocols to ensure the continued airworthiness of aging evacuation slides.

What changed

SAIB NE-19-03 introduces updates to the ZAES Component Maintenance Manuals that emphasize inspection and testing protocols at recommended intervals for evacuation slides aged 15 years and older. It includes additional tests and checks to detect un-airworthy slide inflatables before failure and provides guidance on operating and storage conditions. These updates are incorporated in the latest revisions of multiple ZAES CMMs covering a wide range of aircraft models.

Why it matters

This bulletin is important for aviation professionals because it addresses the aging effects on evacuation slide adhesive strength, which can lead to slide failure during emergencies. Operators and maintenance organizations must follow the updated maintenance instructions to prevent potential evacuation slide malfunctions, thereby ensuring passenger safety and regulatory compliance. The guidance helps detect issues early, reducing the risk of in-service failures and costly unscheduled repairs.