Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22967 · Nacelle/pylon, bulkhead/firewall
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters. This AD prompted by an engine compartment fire where the upper stiffener of the central firewall in the engine compartment was found damaged. This AD requires replacing the aluminum central firewall stiffener with a titanium central firewall stiffener and prohibits installing an aluminum central firewall stiffener. These actions are 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.
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0231, dated November 28, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0231).
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0231 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0231 refers to flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0231 specifies discarding certain parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service.
(4) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0231 states “If the bracket (f) is in unsatisfactory condition (DETAIL D),” this AD requires replacing that text with “Inspect the bracket (f) (DETAIL D) for airworthy condition; for the purpose of this AD, an unairworthy condition may be indicated by corrosion, a crack, or wear. If the bracket (f) is in an unairworthy condition.”
(5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0231 states to “Do a check of the cover strip (g) and the fireproof seal (h) to replace if necessary (SECTION B-B),” this AD requires replacing that text with “Inspect the cover strip (g) and the fireproof seal (h) for airworthy condition. If the cover strip (g) or the fireproof seal (h) is in an unairworthy condition, remove each unairworthy part from service and replace it with a new (zero total hours time-in-service) part (SECTION B-B).”
(6) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2022-0231.
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0231 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.
