ASB No.

EC155-05A033
Civil version(s): B, B1

ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN

PROTECTIVE MEASURE

TIME LIMITS - MAINTENANCE CHECKS - Baggage compartment

Inspection of the baggage compartment skin

For the attention of

Revision No. Date of issue

Revision 0 2017-07-21
Revision 1 2019-03-27
Revision 2 2020-05-12

Summary:

This ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN consists in:

- performing a tapping inspection of the baggage compartment external skin within 110 flying hours,
Then,
- performing a periodic visual inspection of the baggage compartment external skin every 110 flying hours,
- performing a periodic tapping inspection of the baggage compartment external skin every 660 flying hours.

Reason for last Revision:

The purpose of revision 2 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN is:

- to increase the tapping inspection steps from 30 mm (1.18 in) to 100 mm (3.93 in),
- to specify the criteria (size, proximity) for the recognition of debondings per panel.

Compliance:

Airbus Helicopters renders compliance with this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN mandatory.

ASB EC155-05A033

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 ASB No. EC155-05A033
1. PLANNING INFORMATION

1.A. EFFECTIVITY

1.A.1. Helicopters/installed equipment or parts

All helicopters.

1.A.2. Non-installed equipment or parts

Not applicable.

1.B. ASSOCIATED REQUIREMENTS

Not applicable.

1.C. REASON

Revision 0:
Airbus Helicopters has been informed of several cases of debonding of the baggage compartment skin.
These observations were made during the 600-FH inspection of the structure on EC155 helicopters.
The possible causes, which are still under investigation, are the heat of the exhaust gas released by the
exhaust pipes and certain climatic conditions (high heat and high humidity).
Consequently, Airbus Helicopters introduces a periodic (visual and tapping) inspection of the area.
Airbus Helicopters renders compliance with this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN mandatory.

Revision 1:
Following feedback from a number of customers, if there is debonding contained within only one square of a
size smaller or equal to 100 x 100 mm (3.94 x 3.94 in), Airbus Helicopters has defined a manual tapping
inspection to be performed every 110 flying hours for the next 330 flying hours to identify any propagation.
If there is no propagation after these 330 flying hours, Airbus Helicopters requests a return to general visual
inspections every 110 flying hours and a manual tapping inspection every 660 flying hours.
The purpose of revision 1 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN is to give details on the inspection criteria and
on the zones to be inspected.
Revision 1 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN does not affect compliance with the previous revision of this
ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN.

Revision 2:
The purpose of revision 2 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN is:
- to increase the tapping inspection steps from 30 mm (1.18 in) to 100 mm (3.93 in),
- to specify the criteria (size, proximity) for the recognition of debondings per panel.

Revision 2 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN does not affect compliance with the previous revisions of this
ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN.

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 ASB No. EC155-05A033
1.D. DESCRIPTION

Compliance with this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN consists in:

- performing a tapping inspection of the baggage compartment external skin,
Then,
- performing a periodic visual inspection of the baggage compartment external skin,
- performing a periodic tapping inspection of the baggage compartment external skin.

1.E. COMPLIANCE

The work on the helicopter is to be performed by the operator.

1.E.1. Compliance at H/C manufacturer level

Not applicable.

1.E.2. Compliance in service

1.E.2.a. Helicopters/installed equipment or parts

Perform a manual tapping inspection of the skin (only in sandwich zone) as per paragraphs 3.B.1. and
3.B.2. within 110 flying hours from receipt of revision 0 of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN issued on
July 21, 2017.

Interpretation of the results

CAUTION

EACH DEBONDING IS TO BE TAKEN INTO

ACCOUNT PANEL BY PANEL.

1) If no debonding or debonding(s) smaller than 30 x 30 mm (1.18 x 1.18 in) is found (see NOTE 1):
. perform a visual inspection every 110 flying hours as per paragraphs 3.B.1. and 3.B.3.,
and,
. perform a manual tapping inspection every 660 flying hours as per paragraph 3.B.1. and 3.B.2.

2) If a debonding, larger or equal to 30 x 30 mm (1.18 x 1.18 in) is found:

. perform a new manual tapping inspection in steps of 30 mm (1.18 in) within a surrounding 100 mm
(3.94 in) area of the original debonded zone (see Figure 3) as per paragraphs 3.B.1. and 3.B.2.,

. if a new debonded zone larger or equal to 30 x 30 mm (1.18 x 1.18 in) is found:

.. continue the manual tapping inspection in steps of 30 mm (1.18 in) within a surrounding 100 mm
(3.94 in) area of the new debonded zone (see Figure 3) as per paragraphs 3.B.1. and 3.B.2.,

.. note the size and location of the debonding(s), unless already done during revision 0 or revision 1,

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 ASB No. EC155-05A033

CAUTION

THE MEASURED AREA OF 100 x 100 MM

(3.94 x 3.94 IN) CONTAINING DEBONDING IS TO
BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT PANEL BY PANEL.

.. for each area containing 1 or more debondings separated by a distance of less than or equal
to 100 mm (3.94 in):
… measure the area,
... if the newly measured area of debonding(s) fits into a single square less than or equal
to 100 x 100 mm (3.94 x 3.94 in) (See Figure 2):
- note the size and location of the debonding(s), unless already done during revision 0 or
revision 1,
- perform an inspection by manual tapping every 110 flight hours over the identified area previously
debonded for research of significant propagation (See Note 3),
- note the size and location of the debonding(s) during each inspection,
- if at the end of the third inspection by manual tapping at 110 flight hours, there is no significant
propagation (see Note 2) of the previous debonding:
. perform a visual inspection every 110 flight hours as per paragraphs 3.B.1. and 3.B.3.,
and,
. perform a manual tapping inspection every 660 flight hours as per paragraphs 3.B.1. and 3.B.2.

NOTE 1

A debonded zone that is contained within a square of

30 x 30 mm (1.18 x 1.18 in) is considered permitted and will
be subject to general visual inspection.

NOTE 2

Propagation of the debonded surface is considered

significant if the measured difference of the debonded zone
exceeds 5 mm (.197 in) between the initial manual tapping
inspection and the most recent manual tapping inspection.

NOTE 3

For any debonding already listed in the helicopter

documentation (see Note 4) during a previous inspection at
660 flying hours, do not repeat the manual tapping
inspection of this debonding every 110 flying hours if there
has been no significant propagation (see Note 2).

NOTE 4

The RDAS (Repair Design Approval Sheets) previously sent

to keep the aircraft temporarily in service under monitoring
remain applicable until the expiration of their defined validity.

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 ASB No. EC155-05A033
3) In all other cases of debonding and before resuming flights:
. Contact the Airbus Helicopters Customer Support Department to obtain a suitable repair solution
through an RDAS (Repair Design Approval Sheet) by:
- Fax: + 33 (0)4.42.85.99.66
- Keycopter : Technical Request Management TechnicalSupport.Helicopters@airbus.com.
- E-mail : support.technical-airframe.ah@airbus.com

1.E.2.b. Non-installed equipment or parts

Not applicable.

1.F. APPROVAL

Approval of modifications:

Not applicable.

Approval of this document:

The technical information contained in this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN Revision 0 was approved
on July 21, 2017 under the authority of EASA Design Organization Approval No. 21J.700 for civil version
helicopters subject to an Airworthiness Certificate.

The technical information contained in this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN Revision 1 was approved
on March 26, 2019 under the authority of EASA Design Organization Approval No. 21J.700 for civil version
helicopters subject to an Airworthiness Certificate.

The technical information contained in this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN Revision 2 was approved
on May 07, 2020 under the authority of EASA Design Organization Approval No. 21J.700 for civil version
helicopters subject to an Airworthiness Certificate.

1.G. MANPOWER

For compliance with this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN, Airbus Helicopters recommends the following
personnel qualification:

Qualification: 1 Airframe Technician qualified for tapping inspections.

The time for the operations is given for information purposes, for a standard configuration.

Time for the operations: - (approximately) 1 hour and 30 minutes to comply with paragraph 3.B.2. on one
side,
- (approximately) 10 minutes to comply with paragraph 3.B.3. on one side.

1.H. WEIGHT AND BALANCE

Not applicable.

1.I. POWER CONSUMPTION

Not applicable.

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 ASB No. EC155-05A033
1.J. SOFTWARE UPGRADES/UPDATES

Not applicable.

1.K. REFERENCES

The documents required for compliance with this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN are as follows:

Standard Practices Manual (MTC):

Work Card: 20-03-06-601: Structural repairs - Assembled components check
Work Card: 20-60-00-432: Blade standard practices - Audio control procedure by blade tapping

1.L. OTHER AFFECTED PUBLICATIONS

Not applicable.

1.M. PART INTERCHANGEABILITY OR MIXABILITY

Not applicable.

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 ASB No. EC155-05A033
2. EQUIPMENT OR PARTS INFORMATION

2.A. EQUIPMENT OR PARTS: PRICE - AVAILABILITY - PROCUREMENT

For any information concerning the kits and/or components or for assistance, contact the Airbus Helicopters
Network Sales & Customer Relations Department.

Airbus Helicopters
Etablissement de Marignane
Direction Ventes et Relations Client
13725 MARIGNANE CEDEX
FRANCE

NOTE 1

On the purchase order, please specify the mode of

transport, the destination and the serial numbers of the
helicopters to be modified.

NOTE 2

For ALERT SERVICE BULLETINS, order by:

Telex: HELICOP 410 969F
Fax: +33 (0)4.42.85.99.96.

2.B. LOGISTIC INFORMATION

Not applicable.

2.C. EQUIPMENT OR PARTS REQUIRED PER HELICOPTER/COMPONENT

Consumables to be ordered separately:

Refer to the Work Cards referenced in this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN.

The consumables can be ordered separately from the following companies:

Aviatec global aviation Gaches chimie

Website: www.aviatec.net Website: www.gaches.com

Telephone: +33 1.34.46.45.24 or +49 4193.8803.630 Telephone: +33 5.61.31.64.45
Fax: +33 1.34.46.45.26 or +49 4193.8803.699 Fax: +33 5.61.40.98.63
AOG: +49 4193.8803.660 AOG email: marketplace@gaches.com
AOG email: aog@aviatec.aero

BDSI

Website:www.boeingdistribution.com
Telephone: +1.305.925.2600
Fax : +1.305.507.7191
AOG: +1.305.471.8888
AOG email : AOGdesk@Boeingdistribution.com

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2.D. EQUIPMENT OR PARTS TO BE RETURNED

Not applicable.

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 ASB No. EC155-05A033
3. ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS

3.A. GENERAL

Not applicable.

3.B. WORK STEPS

The inspections are performed on the RH and LH side of the helicopter.

If there is not a cargo door on the RH side of the helicopter, all of the external skin zone of the luggage
compartment must be inspected.

3.B.1. Preliminary steps

- Install the access equipment.

- Remove and/or open any cowlings, panels, doors and equipment required to gain access to the different
work areas.
- If necessary, remove the thermal protection.

3.B.2. Manual Tapping inspection of the baggage compartment external skin (Figure 1)

- Perform a manual tapping inspection of the external skin (for panels A, B, C, D, E and F in sandwich
design) located between frames X4630 and X6630 (see Figure 1) as per Work Cards 20-03-06-601 and
20-60-00-432 (MTC).

NOTE 1

The manual tapping inspection is to be performed in steps of

100 mm (3.93 in) maximum, along the X and Z axes.

NOTE 2

The skin must be clean for this inspection.

- Interpret the results as per paragraph 1.E.2.a.

- Then comply with paragraph 3.B.4.

3.B.3. Visual inspection of the baggage compartment external skin (Figure 1)

- Perform a visual inspection of the baggage compartment external skin between frames X4630 and X6630
(see Figure 1) using low-angled light (e.g. LED bar):

NOTE 3

The skin must be clean for this inspection.

. in the event of distortion, wrinkling or corrosion: comply with paragraph 3.B.2.,

. otherwise, comply with paragraph 3.B.4.

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3.B.4. Final steps

- Remove the access equipment.

- Install and/or close any cowlings, panels, doors and equipment removed and/or opened during the
preliminary steps (paragraph 3.B.1.).
- If necessary, install the thermal protection.

3.C. COMPLIANCE CONFIRMATION

Compliance with this document:

- Record first compliance with this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN, with the revision number, in the helicopter
documents.

- Please confirm compliance with this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN:

QR-Code or hypertext link

NOTE 4

The recording of compliance with ALERT SERVICE

BULLETINS in the R-Tex tool does not replace the recording
in the helicopter documents.

ASB EC155-05A033

3.D. OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

Not applicable.

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 ASB No. EC155-05A033
150 mm (5.91 in) Inspection zone (sandwich)
parallel to Engine floor Supplementary inspection zone if no
door
Stainless steel strip

Engine floor

Parallel to Lower point of the

floor stainless steel strip

300 mm (11.81 in)

Areas to be inspected:
LH and RH skin

B
C
D

E
F

X4630

X6630

Figure 1: Delimitation of the areas to be inspected

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 ASB No. EC155-05A033

Debonding size less or equal to

100 x 100 mm (3.94 x 3.94 in)

Example of
acceptable debonding and
subject to monitoring

> 100 mm (3.94 in)

Examples of
unacceptable debonding
and to subject to repair

Debonding Size greater than

100 x 100 mm (3.94 x 3.94 in)

Figure 2: Examples of debonded surfaces

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Debonded zone

Tapping area in steps

of 30 mm (1.18 in)
tapping area 100 mm (3.94 in)
100 mm (3.94 in)

100 mm (3.94 in)

100 mm (3.94 in)

100 mm (3.94 in)
100 mm (3.94 in)

Figure 3: Manual tapping inspection in steps of 30mm (1.18 in) within a surrounding 100 mm area

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