Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16126 · Eurocopter France Model EC120B Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model EC120B Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2017-26-04. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Model EC120B helicopters, with an Emergency Floatation Gear Lighting and Ancillary Control Unit “LACU”, part number (P/N) 040101AB, installed, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Eurocopter France (ECF) Model EC120B 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 operators have reported that latching push buttons on the Emergency Floatation Gear Lighting and Ancillary Control Unit (LACU) used to arm the emergency floatation gear are unreliable, and the `FLOAT ARM' pushbutton does not latch in the depressed (LACU armed) position. These actions are intended to prohibit flight over water if a functional test indicates that the emergency floatation gear cannot be armed, which would preclude deployment of the floats in an emergency water ditching that could result in helicopter damage and a fatality.
Required as indicated, unless already accomplished.
(1) Before further flight, amend the EC120B Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement (RFMS), Document #9-17 for the Emergency Floatation Gear Aerazur, by inserting a copy of this AD into the Limitations section of the RFMS or making pen and ink changes to that section as follows:
“Arm the emergency floatation gear by pressing the LACU ‘FLOAT ARM’ pushbutton.
—If both lights of the pushbutton remain lit, flight over water is permitted.
—If one or both lights of the pushbutton do not remain lit, FLIGHT OVER WATER IS PROHIBITED.”
(2) Before each flight over water, perform a functional check to determine whether flight over water is permitted under the Limitations section in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. For purposes of this AD, “flight over water” means flight beyond the power-off gliding distance from shore. “Shore” is an area of land adjacent to the water and above the high water mark but does not include land area that is intermittently under water.
(3) If the LACU fails the functional check required by paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, place a placard over the “FLOAT ARM” pushbutton that reads “INOP.”
(4) The functional check required by paragraph (e)(2) may be performed by an owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate because no special tools are required. The check must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with paragraph (e)(2) of this AD in accordance with the requirements of 14 CFR sections 43.11 and 91.417(a)(2)(v).
We require adding the limitations to the Limitations section of the RFMS not the basic RFM. We also allow inserting a copy of this AD in the RFMS or making pen and ink changes to the language in the RFMS. We changed the wording used to describe the functional check.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, ATTN: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, J. R. Holton, Jr., ASW-112, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-4964, 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) Special flight permits may be issued for a single flight in accordance with sections 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished provided there are no passengers on board and the helicopter is not flown over water.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
