Counterfeit, scrapped, cannibalized or destroyed aircraft

Airbus works closely with customers and operators to ensure only genuine helicopters and parts are used, and that customers are not misled into purchasing or operating aircraft or parts which were scrapped, cannibalized or destroyed and then reused or rebuilt by others without Airbus’ involvement.

Such aircraft, sometimes “rebuilt” around their identification data plate and/or “reused”, “stored”, or “preserved” not in accordance with Airbus requirements, are qualified as “counterfeit” and are not considered to be products of Airbus, as there is no assurance they will have the same quality and safety of genuine Airbus rotorcraft.

Following the investigation of an accident with the intention of flight by the appropriate investigative authority, if an aircraft’s damage is identified as being minor or substantial, it may be repaired by authorised facilities (Part 145) using the necessary approved manuals and procedures along with the specified parts, tools and jigs. However, if the aircraft is officially determined to have been destroyed, it cannot be rebuilt except by the manufacturer or by centres qualified by the manufacturer under rules established in approved documentation from the airworthiness authorities.

Minor, substantial or destroyed aircraft from accidents with the intention of no flight can be also identified by Airbus as the result of an accident following transportation, maintenance, weather conditions (typhoon, etc.), war/vandalism, etc.

Helicopters may be qualified by Airbus as scrapped aircraft, when the aircraft is not operated anymore due to its age, maintenance expenses, the absence of Type Certificate, the unavailability of spare parts, etc.

Helicopters may be qualified by Airbus as cannibalized aircraft, when the aircraft is used for a long period of time as a workshop for spare parts. This classification does not take into account aircraft where parts are sampled temporarily in order to limit the number of grounded aircrafts.

To protect against the potential sale or operation of such counterfeit aircraft, the company recommends that those considering the purchase – or the rebuilding of – such aircrafts check Airbus Helicopters’ List of Potentially Scrapped, Cannibalized or Destroyed Aircraft or please contact Airbus Helicopters (see below) prior to any decision:

Airbus Helicopters requests that certification authorities remove the aircraft’s serial number from the Type Certificate Data Sheet for each aircraft that has been officially determined to have been scrapped, cannibalized or destroyed and has its data plate destroyed. Airbus Helicopters will not technically support such scrapped, cannibalized or destroyed aircraft.

Moreover, Airbus Helicopters reminds everyone that for obvious safety reasons, it is prohibited to reuse parts or assemblies which have been involved in an accident without formal technical approval from the Airbus Helicopters Technical Support Directorate.

For such technical support, please contact Airbus Helicopters by the use of the Technical Request Management tool accessible through your AirbusWorld portal.

In case you would not have access to the Technical Request Management tool, please send your request to the following email address: customersupport.helicopters@airbus.com

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