Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15100 · Eurocopter France Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, D, and AS355E Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, D, and AS355E Helicopters
Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, D and AS355E helicopters, certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (ECF) model helicopters that requires replacing the hydraulic fluid at a specified time interval when operating in cold weather. This amendment is prompted by reports of ice forming due to condensation in some parts of the hydraulic system during cold weather operation. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent ice from forming in the hydraulic system resulting in an unintended movement of the flight controls and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Required as indicated.
To prevent ice from forming in the hydraulic system resulting in an unintended movement of the flight controls and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, do the following:
(a) If the outside air temperature in an FAA weather briefing is forecast to be below negative 15 degrees Celsius (5 degrees Fahrenheit) at or below your planned flight altitude and the hydraulic fluid has not been replaced within the past 100 hours time-in-service or within the past 30 days, whichever occurred first, before further flight, replace the hydraulic fluid. Replace the hydraulic fluid by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.A. and 2.B., of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin Nos. 05.00.43 or 05.00.45, both dated April 8, 2004, as applicable.
(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 Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, ATTN: Ed Cuevas, Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5355, fax (817) 222-5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(c) Special flight permits will not be issued.
(d) Replacing the hydraulic fluid must be done by following Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin Nos. 05.00.43 or 05.00.45, both dated April 8, 2004, as applicable. 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. You may review copies at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 63, Fort Worth, Texas, or 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 July 19, 2007.
Note: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (France) AD Nos. F-2004-055 and F-2004-056, both dated April 28, 2004.
