Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-23282 · Powerplant/engine drains
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a broken hose of the draining system in the rear cargo compartment due to hot air leakage from an engine combustion chamber drain valve failure. This AD requires for certain helicopters operational inspections (checks) of each engine drain valve, inspection of each affected rear cargo compartment hose (hose), installation and repetitive inspections of thermal papers, and depending on the results of those inspections, corrective actions. This AD also requires for certain helicopters, inspection of the rear cargo compartment hoses in conjunction with the initial operational inspections (checks) and, depending on the results of the inspections, performing corrective actions. Additionally, this AD prohibits installing an affected hose on any helicopter unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
(1) 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 2025-0287, dated December 17, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0287).
(2) The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may perform a visual check of both sides of the thermal paper and must enter compliance with this requirement into the helicopter maintenance records 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.
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0287 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2025-0287 specifies compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2025-0287 specifies “accomplish a visual inspection of those thermal papers in accordance with the instructions of the ASB”, this AD requires replacing that text with “accomplish a visual check of those thermal papers for any colored boxes, and if one or more boxes are found colored, before further flight, a licensed mechanic authorized under 14 CFR part 43 must perform the corrective actions specified in paragraph (7) of EASA AD 2025-0287”.
(4) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0287 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service.
(5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0287 specifies “check” this AD requires replacing that text with “inspect”, except for the visual check (inspection) of the thermal papers, after the last flight of each day.
(6) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0287 specifies “new”, this AD requires replacing that text with “new (never previously installed)”.
(7) This AD does not adopt “Note 1” or the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2025-0287.
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0287 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.
