EASA AD No.: 2015-0163

TE.CAP.00110-004 © European Aviation Safety Agency. All rights reserved. 1/2

Proprietary document. Copies are not controlled. Confirm revision status through the EASA-Internet/Intranet.

EASA AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

AD No.: 2015-0163

Date: 06 August 2015

Note: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued by EASA, acting in accordance with Regulation 

(EC) No 216/2008 on behalf of the European Community, its Member States and of the 

European third countries that participate in the activities of EASA under Article 66 of that 

Regulation.

This AD is issued in accordance with EU 748/2012, Part 21.A.3B. In accordance with EU 1321/2014 Annex I, Part M.A.301, the 

continuing airworthiness of an aircraft shall be ensured by accomplishing any applicable ADs. Consequently, no person may operate an 

aircraft to which an AD applies, except in accordance with the requirements of that AD, unless otherwise specified by the Agency [EU 

1321/2014 Annex I, Part M.A.303] or agreed with the Authority of the State of Registry [EC 216/2008, Article 14(4) exemption].

Design Approval Holder’s Name:

AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GmbH

Type/Model designation(s):

MBB-BK 117 helicopters

TCDS Number: EASA.R.010

Foreign AD: Not applicable

Supersedure: None

ATA 52 Doors – Jettison System Adhesive Seal – Removal

Manufacturer(s): Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) (formerly Eurocopter 

Deutschland GmbH, Eurocopter Hubschrauber GmbH, Messerschmitt-BölkowBlohm GmbH).

Applicability: MBB-BK 117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2 and 

MBB-BK 117 C-1 helicopters, all serial numbers.

Reason: Following application of Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB BK117-20A-114, 

original issue, difficulties were reported to activate the jettisoning sliding doors. 

This malfunction was caused by the adhesive seal, installed in accordance with 

the ASB, that hampered the free movement of the inner handle. Subsequent 

investigation showed that the affected adhesive seal has mechanical and 

physical properties that do not meet the relevant certification requirements. 

This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to a malfunction of the 

sliding door jettisoning mechanism, reducing or preventing the ability to 

evacuate the helicopter in the event of an emergency, possibly resulting in 

injury to occupants.

To address this potential unsafe condition, AHD revised ASB

MBB BK117-20A-114 to amend the instructions and to remove the affected 

adhesive seals from service.

For the reasons described above, this AD requires the removal of adhesive 

seals Part Number (P/N) 117-800201.01 from the interior and exterior door 

jettisoning system of the sliding doors, and prohibits any new installation of the 

adhesive seal.
EASA AD No.: 2015-0163

TE.CAP.00110-004 © European Aviation Safety Agency. All rights reserved. 2/2

Proprietary document. Copies are not controlled. Confirm revision status through the EASA-Internet/Intranet.

This AD is considered interim action and further AD action may follow.

Effective Date: 20 August 2015

Required Action(s) 

and Compliance

Time(s):

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously:

(1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect the exterior and 

interior door jettisoning system of the left (LH) and right (RH) sliding door to 

determine if adhesive seals P/N 117-800201.01 are installed.

(2) If, during the inspection as required by paragraph (1) of this AD, any 

adhesive seal P/N 117-800201.01 is found installed, before next flight,

remove it in accordance with the instructions of AHD ASB

MBB-BK117-20A-114 Rev.1.

(3) From the effective date of this AD, do not install on any sliding door 

jettisoning system an adhesive seal P/N 117-800201.01.

NOTE: After removal of the seals as required by paragraph (2) of this AD, the 

applicable Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) can be amended in accordance with 

the instructions of AHD ASB MBB-BK117-20A-114 Rev.1.

Ref. Publications: AHD ASB MBB-BK117-20A-114 Revision 1 dated 30 July 2015.

The use of later approved revisions of this document is acceptable for 

compliance with the requirements of this AD.

Remarks: 1. If requested and appropriately substantiated, EASA can approve 

Alternative Methods of Compliance for this AD.

2. Based on the required actions and the compliance time, EASA have 

decided to issue a Final AD with Request for Comments, postponing the 

public consultation process until after publication.

3. Enquiries regarding this AD should be referred to the Safety Information 

Section, Certification Directorate, EASA. E-mail: ADs@easa.europa.eu.

4. For any question concerning the technical content of the requirements in 

this AD, please contact:

Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH, Industriestrasse 4, 

86609 Donauwörth, Germany 

Telephone: + 49 (0)151 1422 8976; Facsimile: + 49 (0)906 71 4111