AD 2020-15-15 Prompted By A Mechanical Deformation Found On The Protective Cover Of The “SHEAR” Control Pushbutton

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. This AD was prompted by a mechanical deformation found on the protective cover of the “SHEAR” control pushbutton installed on a copilot collective stick.

This AD requires modification of the helicopter by replacing the protective cover and re-identifying the part number of the pilot and copilot collective sticks. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective September 3, 2020.

Supplementary Information: The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 8, 2020 (85 FR 19707). The NPRM was prompted by a mechanical deformation found on the protective cover of the “SHEAR” control pushbutton installed on a copilot collective stick. The NPRM proposed to require modification of the helicopter by replacing the protective cover and re-identifying the part number of the pilot and copilot  collective sticks. The FAA is issuing this AD to address mechanical deformation on the protective cover of the “SHEAR” control pushbutton installed on a copilot collective stick, which could lead to unintended shearing of the hoist cable, possibly resulting in loss of a hoisted load or person(s).

The European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018-0106, dated May 10, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters.

FMI: www.regulations.gov