Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16294 · Eurocopter France (ECF) Model AS332L1 and AS332L2 Helicopters
Eurocopter France (ECF) Model AS332L1 and AS332L2 Helicopters
This AD applies to Model AS332L1 and AS332L2 helicopters, certificated in any category, with the customized “rails with the rear stop moved aft” rail assemblies, part number (P/N) 332P76-9012-02 or P/N 332P76-9012-03, installed, but without modification (MOD) 332V080210.00.
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 with certain pilot and copilot seats in the rear high position and seat backrest fully tilted the seat shoulder harness could become jammed between the seat and bulkhead. This condition, if not corrected, could result in the shoulder harness binding and causing the inertial reel to malfunction and no longer retain the flight crew member in the seat in the event of an emergency or hard landing.
Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS), modify the pilot and copilot seats by relocating the rail rear stops to the position depicted in Figure 2, “without the `rail with the rear stop moved aft' customization” or “Post-Mod 332V080210.00.” Do the modification by following the Operational Procedure, of the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.1., of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 25.02.20, dated October 19, 2009. After modifying the position of the rear stop, identify the modification (MOD) using indelible ink and marking “MOD332V080210.00” on the left rail at the rear stop.
Note: The one Eurocopter EASB contains two different service bulletin numbers (Nos. 25.02.20 and 25.01.35) applicable to two different Eurocopter model helicopters. EASB No. 25.02.20 relates to Eurocopter Model AS332L1 and L2 helicopters. EASB No. 25.01.35 relates to Eurocopter Model AS532U2 military helicopters that are not type certificated in the United States.
(f) After the effective date of this AD, do not install a pilot or copilot left seat rail, P/N 332P76-9012-02 or P/N 332P76-9012-03, on a helicopter unless it has been modified and reidentified by following paragraph (e) of this AD.
We refer to flight hours as hours TIS.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, ATTN: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Gary Roach, ASW-111, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5130, fax (817) 222-5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
