Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22378 · Instrument system wiring
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P3 and EC135T3 helicopters with Helionix installed, and Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 and MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters, certificated in any category.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an EC135P3H or EC135T3H designation are Model EC135P3 helicopters or Model EC135T3 helicopters with Helionix installed, respectively.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P3 and EC135T3 helicopters with Helionix installed, and Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 and MBB- BK 117 D-3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of multi-function display (MFD) failures. This AD requires revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter. This AD also requires repetitively inspecting the MFD, and depending on the results, installing placards and limiting the operation of the helicopter, and taking other corrective action, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
(1) Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (5) of European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0168, dated August 12, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0168).
(2) Within 7 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter by incorporating the RFM emergency procedure in Figure 1 or Figure 2 to paragraph (g)(2) of this AD as applicable to your model helicopter. Revising the existing RFM for your helicopter by updating the emergency procedures section 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 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(3) After the actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD have been done, no alternative requirements (inspections) are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the “Ref. Publications” section of EASA AD 2022-0168.
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0168 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0168 refers to July 15, 2022 (the effective date of EASA AD 2022-0143 dated July 8, 2022) or its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-0168 specifies “accomplish a check in accordance with the maintenance mode test procedure, and in accordance with the operational mode test procedure, as defined in this AD” for this AD, replace that text with “accomplish an inspection in accordance with the maintenance mode test procedure, and in accordance with the operational mode test procedure, as defined in this AD.”
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0168 specifies “if, during any check as required by paragraph (1) of this AD,” replace that text with “if, during any inspection as required by paragraph (1) of this AD.”
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0168 permits certain actions to be performed by a pilot or equivalent with the correct training and accreditation, this AD requires those actions to be accomplished by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3.
(6) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2022-0168 specifies to “inform all flight crews and, thereafter, operate the helicopter accordingly,” this AD does not require those actions.
(7) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0168 specifies “If the continuity test is not satisfactory, check and repair the associated wires;” for this AD, replace that text with “If the continuity test is not satisfactory, inspect and repair the associated wires.”
(8) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0168 specifies-contacting Airbus Helicopters for a technical solution, this AD requires corrective action done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
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.
