Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15356 · Life raft
Eurocopter Model AS 332 L2 Helicopters
This AD applies to Eurocopter Model AS 332 L2, with Life Raft, part number (P/N) 00051047 or P/N 00051048, that has a Life Raft Inflation Cylinder, P/N 41918001, installed, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter Model AS 332 L2 helicopters. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Technical Agent of France, with which we have a bilateral agreement, states in the MCAI:
Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, remove each life raft inflation cylinder, P/N 41918001, that has accumulated or exceeded 2,500 hours TIS since first installation or since last overhaul, whichever is later, in accordance with Appendix 1, paragraph 3.1., of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.00.71, dated July 31, 2007 (ASB), and replace it with an airworthy cylinder in accordance with Appendix 1, paragraph 3.2 of the ASB.
(2) After the effective date of this AD, no person shall install a life raft inflation cylinder, P/N 41918001, on a helicopter, if that cylinder has accumulated or exceeded 2,500 hours TIS since first installation or since last overhaul, or if it is older than 3 years since manufacture and has never been overhauled.
This AD does not apply to Model EC 225 LP helicopters as does the MCAI because that model helicopter is not type certificated in the United States. Additionally, we have changed “flight hours” to “hours time-in-service.” We also clarified the applicable paragraphs from the ASB in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Uday Garadi, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0110, telephone (817) 222-5123, fax (817) 222-5961.
(2) Airworthy Product: Use only FAA-approved corrective actions. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent) if the State of Design has an appropriate bilateral agreement with the United States. You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
