Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14509 · Eurocopter France Model EC 155B and B1 Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model EC 155B and B1 Helicopters
Model EC 155B and B1 helicopters, certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (ECF) model helicopters that requires inspecting an electrical cable bundle for wear. If wear is present, the AD requires installing an airworthy cable bundle and modifying the routing of the electrical cable bundles. This amendment is prompted by reports of a short circuit in the wiring, which led to failure of the normal and emergency landing gear operation modes. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent interference of the wiring with the structure resulting in an electrical short circuit, failure of the landing gear to extend, and an emergency landing.
Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.
To prevent interference of the wiring with the structure resulting in an electrical short circuit, failure of the landing gear to extend, and an emergency landing, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS),
(1) Inspect the wiring of panel 12 Alpha (wiring) electrical cable bundle for wear. If wear is present, replace the worn cable bundle with an airworthy cable bundle by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.A.1, 2.B.1., and 2.B.2 of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin EC155 No. 24A011, Revision 1, dated May 14, 2004 (ASB).
Note 1: Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM): Tasks 24.00.00.911 and 32-30-00-721 and Standard Practices Manual (MTC) Work Cards 20.02.01.415, 20.06.01.310, 20.06.01.406, and 20.02.06.409 pertain to the subject of this AD.
(2) Modify the routing of the electrical wiring (MOD 0739C28) and replace spreaders and spacers by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.3. through 2.B.9. of the ASB.
(b) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Contact the Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, FAA, ATTN: Jorge Castillo, Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5127, fax (817) 222-5961 for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(c) Special flight permits will not be issued.
(d) Inspect and modify the routing of the electrical wiring and replace any electrical parts in accordance with the specified portions of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin EC155 No. 24A011, Revision 1, dated May 14, 2004. The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527. Copies may be inspected at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on April 18, 2006.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (France) AD F-2004-057 R1, dated July 21, 2004.
