Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16055 · Eurocopter France (ECF) Model EC 155B and EC155B1 Helicopters
Eurocopter France (ECF) Model EC 155B and EC155B1 Helicopters
This AD applies to Model EC 155B and EC155B1 helicopters, all serial numbers, with the UNS-1D navigation system installed, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified ECF model helicopters. This AD results from a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. The MCAI AD states that freezing of the route display on the navigation display (ND) in the Sector mode occurs for flight plans that include procedures in the terminal zone (departure or arrival). The MCAI AD prohibits the use of the UNS-1D navigation system (also known as the Flight Management System (FMS)) for Standard Instrument Departure (SID), Standard Instrument Terminal Arrival Route (STAR), and instrument approach procedures. The actions are intended to prevent the flight crew from relying on a frozen route ND, unanticipated increases in flight crew workload, pilot confusion in the terminal airspace environment, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Before further flight, unless already accomplished, do the following:
(1) Make pen and ink changes, or insert a copy of this AD or an amended copy of Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement (RFM) 58 into the operating limitations section of the RFM with the following limitation: “USING FMS FOR SIDS, STARS AND INSTRUMENT APPROACHES IS PROHIBITED.”
(2) Make a placard with black letters on white background with the following wording: “USING FMS FOR SIDS, STARS AND INSTRUMENT APPROACHES IS PROHIBITED.” Install the placard on the console in place of the placard “USING GPS FOR INSTRUMENT APPROACHES IS PROHIBITED.”
We state the actions in this AD rather than referencing the Emergency Alert Service Bulletin for installing the placard. Also, we allow the limitations to be made by making pen and ink changes to the Limitations section of the RFM.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, ATTN: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, George Schwab, ASW-111, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5114, fax (817) 222-5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(h) Ferry flight permits are not permitted.
