Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22968 · Emergency equipment
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+/EC635T2+, EC135T3, MBB-BK 117 C-2, 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 designation are Model EC135P3 helicopters, helicopters with an EC135T3H designation are Model EC135T3 helicopters, and helicopters with an MBB-BK 117 C-2e designation are Model MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+/EC635T2+, EC135T3, MBB-BK 117 C-2, MBB-BK 117 D-2, and MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of malfunctioning emergency fuel shut-off switches on the warning unit. This AD requires inspecting certain switches on the warning units, and depending on the results, replacing or repairing the warning unit. This AD also allows installing certain warning units provided certain requirements are met. 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 AD 2024-0249, dated December 19, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0249).
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0249 defines “affected part,” this AD requires replacing that definition with “Any part-numbered warning unit having a serial number (S/N) identified in the Planning Information, paragraph 12., of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) EC135-31-55-0001 or ASB MBB-BK117-31-55-0001, each Issue 1 and dated December 19, 2024, as applicable, or having an S/N that cannot be determined.”
(2) Where EASA AD 2024-0249 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the “Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)” section of EASA AD 2024-0249 specifies “check,” and where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0249 specifies “check,” this AD requires replacing that text with “inspection” or “inspect,” as applicable.
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0249, specifies “From the effective date of this AD, before next flight after any of the emergency off switches has been pushed on a helicopter,” this AD requires replacing that text with “Following paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2024-0249, within intervals not to exceed 12 months.”
(5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0249 specifies that it can be accomplished by a pilot or equivalent with the correct training and accreditation, this AD requires the actions be accomplished by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3.
(6) This AD does not adopt the note in the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0249 that specifies information regarding the pilot accomplishing the once only check (inspection).
(7) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0249 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service.
(8) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0249 states “discrepancy, as described in the ASB,” and where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2024-0249 states “discrepancy,” this AD requires replacing that text with the text in table 1 to paragraph (h)(8) of this AD.
Note 2 to paragraph (h)(8): Airbus Helicopters ASB EC135-31-55-0001 and ASB MBB-BK117-31-55-0001, each Issue 1 and dated December 19, 2024, which are referenced in EASA AD 2024-0249, identify configuration information.
(9) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0249 specifies to “contact AH for approved repair instructions and accomplish those instructions accordingly,” this AD requires replacing that text with “repair the WU in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, 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.”
(10) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2024-0249.
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0249 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.
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.
