Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21727 · Cabin equipment/furnishings
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, and AS355F2 helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0023, dated January 19, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0023).
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-24- 03, which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, and AS355F2 helicopters. AD 2020-24-03 required testing the UP/DOWN switches of a certain part-numbered DUNLOP cyclic stick grip, installing a placard, and revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter, or removing the DUNLOP cyclic stick grip. This AD retains some requirements of AD 2020-24-03 and also requires incorporating a new modification, and removing the placard and the RFM amendment installed previously as required by AD 2020-24-03. The additional actions are required as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by the development of a modification (MOD) procedure by Airbus Helicopters for the electrical wiring of the hoist control of the DUNLOP cyclic stick. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
(1) For helicopters with DUNLOP cyclic stick grip manufacturer part number AC66444 with UP/DOWN switches for rescue hoist control installed, before each hoist operation after December 16, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-24-03), accomplish a ground test of the UP/DOWN switches for proper function. If there is any uncommanded hoist action, before further flight, remove the DUNLOP cyclic stick grip from service. Accomplishing the modification in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0023 constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this paragraph.
(2) Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2021-0023.
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0023 refers to October 8, 2020 (the effective date of EASA Emergency AD 2020-0217-E, datedOctober 6, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0217-E)), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where the service information referenced in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0023 specifies that the “work must be performed on the helicopter by the operator,” this AD requires that the work be accomplished by a mechanic that meets the requirements of 14 CFR part 65 subpart D.
(3) Where EASA AD 2021-0023 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(4) Where EASA AD 2021-0023 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0023 specifies to discard certain placards and Flight Manual pages (that were required by EASA AD 2020-0217-E), this AD requires removing them.
(6) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0023 specifies to “inform all flight crews and, thereafter, operate the helicopter accordingly,” this AD does not require those actions.
(7) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2021-0023 allows modifying a Group 2 helicopter into a Group 1 helicopter, this AD also requires accomplishing the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(8) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2021-0023 does not apply to this AD.
Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0023 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
