Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21780 · Fire bottle, portable
Umlaut Engineering GmbH (Previously P3 Engineering GmbH) HAFEX (Halon-Free) Hand-Held Fire Extinguishers
This AD applies to Umlaut Engineering GmbH (previously P3 Engineering GmbH) HAFEX (Halon-free) hand-held fire extinguisher (fire extinguisher) part numbers (P/Ns) P3APP003010A, P3APP003010B, and P3APP003010C. An affected fire extinguisher may be installed on, but not limited to, the following aircraft, certificated in any category:
Note 1 to the introductory text of paragraph (c): According to Umlaut service information, the fire extinguisher P/N is on the RFID label located on the lever of the fire extinguisher.
(1) Airbus SAS Model A318 series, A319 series, A320 series, A321 series, A330-200 series, A330-200 freighter series, A330-300 series, A330-800 series, A330-900 series, A340-200 series, A340-300 series, A340-500 series, A340-600 series, and A350-941, AS350-1041, A380-841, A380-842, and A380-861 airplanes;
(2) Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, EC225LP, SA330J, SA-365C, SA-365C1, SA-365C2, SA-365N, SA-365N1, and SA-366G1 helicopters;
(3) Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1 EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-BK 117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, MBB-BK 117 C-1, MBB-BK 117 C-2, MBB-BK 117 D-2, and MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters;
Note 2 to paragraph (c)(3): Helicopters with an EC135P3H designation are Model EC135P3 helicopters; and helicopters with an MBB-BK 117C-2e designation are Model MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters.
(4) ATR—GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42-200, ATR42-300, ATR42-320, ATR42-500, ATR72-101, ATR72-102, ATR72-201, ATR72-202, ATR72-211, ATR72-212, and ATR72-212A airplanes;
(5) Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139, AB412, AB412 EP, AW139, AW169, and AW189 helicopters; and
(6) PZL Swidnik S.A. Model PZL W-3A helicopters.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Umlaut Engineering GmbH (previously P3 Engineering GmbH) HAFEX (Halon-free) hand-held fire extinguishers (fire extinguishers).This AD was prompted by a report of a safety issue on certain fire extinguishers, where certain environmental factors may prohibit the discharge of the fire extinguisher. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the fire extinguisher, and depending on the results, removing the fire extinguisher from service. This AD also prohibits installing an affected fire extinguisher unless it passes the required inspections. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
(1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 months:
(i) Inspect each fire extinguisher identified in the introductory paragraph of paragraph (c) of this AD by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.2.C., steps 1. through 5. (but not steps 5.a. and b.), of Umlaut Vender Service Bulletin (VSB) Doc. No. P3VSB000003, Issue C, dated August 3, 2021 (P3VSB000003, Issue C).
(ii) If the safety pin does not touch the valve head (there is a gap), continue to inspect the fire extinguisher by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.2.C., steps 6. through 8. (but not steps 8.a. and b.), of P3VSB000003, Issue C.
(iii) If the lever moves back up into its previous position on its own (there is a gap), before further flight, remove the fire extinguisher from service.
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, for a fire extinguisher identified in the introductory text of paragraph (c) of this AD, installed on any aircraft that has not been in operation for 30 or more consecutive days, or if it cannot be determined how long an aircraft has not been in operation, before further flight, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 months, accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (iii) of this AD. For purposes of this AD, an engine run-up does not count as aircraft operation.
(3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install as a replacement part or as an original installation a fire extinguisher identified in the introductory text of paragraph (c) of this AD on any aircraft, unless the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (iii) of this AD have been accomplished.
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.
Aircraft
Appliances and equipment
