Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16232 · Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76C Helicopters
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76C Helicopters
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76C helicopters, serial numbers 760501 and 760506 through 760761, with Option Code 88051 Flotation System installed by Keystone Helicopter Corporation, certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-76C helicopters. This action requires inspecting the emergency flotation system squib connector (flotation system connector) to determine if a metallic foil shunt is installed. This amendment is prompted by a discovery that a metallic foil shunt meant to prevent inadvertent activation of a flotation system during installation was still installed in the left-hand flotation system connector of a Model S-76C helicopter. The actions specified in this AD are intended to determine if a metallic foil shunt is installed in the flotation system, which could prevent the flotation system from deploying and could prevent the helicopter from staying afloat long enough to enable emergency evacuation after a water landing.
To determine if a metallic foil shunt is installed in the flotation system, which could prevent the flotation system from deploying and could prevent the helicopter from staying afloat long enough to enable emergency evacuation after a water landing, accomplish the following:
(a) Inspect the flotation system connector and if a metallic foil shunt is found, remove it in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.A.(1) through 3.A.(9), in Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 76-32-30, dated April 8, 2009.
(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 Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Attn: Terry Fahr, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803, telephone (781) 238-7155, fax (781) 238-7170.
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.
