AD 2021-12-05 Prompted By A Report Of Difficulties When Jettisoning The Co-Pilot Door During Non-Scheduled Maintenance

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC155B1 helicopters.

This AD was prompted by a report of difficulties when jettisoning the co-pilot door during non-scheduled maintenance. This AD requires a functional check of the pilot and co-pilot door jettisoning system and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective July 20, 2021. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 20, 2021.

Supplementary Information: The EASA (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2015-0157, dated July 30, 2015 (EASA AD 2015-0157) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model EC 155 B1 helicopters, all serial numbers delivered after manufacturing before June 30, 2015, and equipped with a pilot or co-pilot door jettisoning system in accordance with Airbus Helicopters Modification POST MOD 0752C05, except helicopters on which Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) Task 52-11-00-712 was accomplished on both pilot and co-pilot doors since the last crew door installation.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC155B1 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2021 (86 FR 21240). The NPRM was prompted by a report of difficulties when jettisoning the co-pilot door during non-scheduled maintenance. The NPRM proposed to require a functional check of the pilot and co-pilot door jettisoning system and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in an EASA AD.

The FAA is issuing this AD to address jamming of the affected door jettisoning mechanism, which could reduce the ability of the flightcrew to evacuate in the event of an emergency situation. See the MCAI for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov