Helicopter Pilots Must Check Safety Caps After Button Blunder
Published Date: 1/31/2025
Rule
Summary
If you fly certain Airbus Helicopters, the FAA wants you to check a safety part called the hoist shear-button on the collective pitch handle to stop it from accidentally activating. You can’t install some parts unless they meet new safety rules. This fix helps keep flights safer and needs to be done soon, but it won’t break the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Required check of hoist shear-button
If you operate or maintain the listed Airbus Helicopters (AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, AS-365N2, AS365N3, EC155B, EC155B1, EC225LP, SA-365N, and SA-365N1), the FAA requires you to check the operation of the hoist shear-button safety-cap on each applicable collective pitch handle. This is a mandated safety inspection intended to prevent unintentional activation of the shear-button during flight.
Installation ban on certain collective handles
The rule prohibits installing certain part-numbered collective pitch handles or collective sticks that have those part-numbered handles installed unless specified requirements are met. If you install or replace collective pitch handles on the affected helicopter models, you must ensure the parts meet the AD's requirements before installation.
Applies to specific Airbus helicopter models
The AD applies only to the listed Airbus Helicopter models: AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, AS-365N2, AS365N3, EC155B, EC155B1, EC225LP, SA-365N, and SA-365N1. If you do not operate one of these models, this AD does not apply to your helicopter.
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