Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-23260 · Fire protection system
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report that the measured resistance value of the pyrotechnic cartridge of the engine fire extinguisher was out of tolerance. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the pyrotechnical cartridge and, depending on the results of the inspection, accomplishing corrective actions. This AD also prohibits an affected pyrotechnical cartridge from being installed on any helicopter unless certain requirements are met. 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 2025-0231, dated October 21, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0231).
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0231 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2025-0231 specifies compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where EASA AD 2025-0231 defines serviceable part as “Pyrotechnical cartridge, eligible for installation in accordance with approved AH [Airbus Helicopters] instructions, which is not an affected part; or an affected part which, within 7 days before installation, passed an inspection (no discrepancy found) in accordance with the instructions of the ASB”, this AD requires replacing that text with “Pyrotechnical cartridge, eligible for installation in accordance with the original issue of the alert service bulletin listed in in Ref. Publications, which is not an affected part; or an affected part which, within 7 days before installation, passed an inspection (no discrepancy found) in accordance with the original issue of the alert service bulletin listed in Ref. Publications”.
(4) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0231 specifies “check”, this AD requires replacing that text with “inspect”.
(5) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2025-0231 specifies “Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, or within 6 months since the last check of the measured resistance value accomplished on that affected part in accordance with the instructions of the applicable SA 330 Maintenance Manual work card MDE 26.20.602, whichever occurs first”, this AD requires replacing that text with “Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD”.
(6) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0231 specifies discarding parts, this AD does not require that action.
(7) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2025-0231.
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0231 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require those actions.
