Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22217 · Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of the cockpit doors failing to open after ditching with inflated floats on certain helicopters equipped with an emergency flotation system (EFS). This AD requires revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter, installing placards, and depending on your model helicopter, modification of the jettisoning system, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0101R1, dated February 25, 2022 (EASA AD 2021-0101R1) and paragraph (i) of this AD.
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0101R1 refers to effective dates “11 February 2021 [the effective date of EASA AD 2021-0041]” and “26 April 2021 [the effective date of the original issue of this AD],” this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0101R1 specifies to “inform all flight crews and, thereafter, operate the helicopter accordingly,” this AD does not require those actions.
(3) The action required by paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0101R1 may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate, and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0101R1 specifies to “modify the helicopter in accordance with the instructions of Section 3 of the applicable ASB,” for this AD, replace that text with, “modify the helicopter in accordance with Section 3.B. in the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable ASB.”
(5) Where EASA AD 2021-0101R1 refers to “ASB AS365-52.00.27” and “AH ASB AS365-52.00.27 original issue dated 17 November 2020 (including Erratum to ASB AS365-52.00.27 original issue dated 21 January 2021),” this AD requires replacing each instance of that text with “Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS365-52.00.27, Revision 1, dated June 4, 2021.”
(6) Where the service information referenced in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0101R1 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service.
(7) Where the service information referenced in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0101R1 specifies to use tooling, this AD allows the use of equivalent tooling.
(8) Where the service information referenced in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0101R1 specifies parking the helicopter in a hangar or maintenance hangar, this AD does not require those actions.
(9) This AD does not mandate compliance with the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2021-0101R1.
(1) For Group 2 helicopters as defined in EASA AD 2021-0101R1, concurrently with accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0101R1, revise the existing RFM for your helicopter by adding the following text at the end of section 4.1, Normal Procedures: “right and left hand Cockpit Door Jettison Handles are properly closed and secured.”
(2) The action required by paragraph (i)(1) of this AD may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate, and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
