Certain Airbus Helicopters H145/H175 helicopters and Leonardo Helicopters AW139/169/189 helicopters operating under a SPA.HOFO Specific Approval are required to be fitted with HTAWS with enhanced capabilities from 1 January 2025. The Helicopter Operators and the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo Helicopters, were unable to complete the work required to upgrade HTAWS in time to meet that implementation date. General exemption E6257 (ORS4 No.1617) was issued to permit continued operation until 30 June 2025 while alternative means of compliance proposed by the OEMs was reviewed with the helicopter operators, and while programmes for achieving compliance were discussed and agreed with the respective OEMs.
Joint industry meetings were held with the respective helicopter operators and OEMs on 14 January 2025 (Airbus) and 15 January 2025 (Leonardo). It was agreed that the alternative means of compliance proposed by both OEMs was not acceptable (primarily due to the increased use of automation and risk of loss of manual flying skills). It was also established that compliant solutions were not available and would take some time to develop and certify. However, available aircraft modifications were identified which provide partial compliance. It was agreed that additional time for achieving full compliance be allowed subject to achieving the respective agreed partially compliant configuration or, if necessary due to lead time on modification kits, a formal commitment from the helicopter operator to achieve the partially compliant status within an acceptable timescale.
This exemption is granted to meet urgent operational needs to permit continued operation until 30 June 2027 while programmes for achieving full compliance are produced and agreed with the respective OEMs. It replaces Official Record Series 4 No. 1617.
- Status:
- Current
- Review comment:
- -
- Version:
- 01
- Version date:
- 05-Jun-2025
- View file:
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