Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16763 · Eurocopter France Model SA-365N and SA-365N1 Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model SA-365N and SA-365N1 Helicopters
Eurocopter Model SA-365N and SA-365N1 helicopters, all serial numbers, except helicopters with a crossfeed between the fuel filler necks in which the two fuel tank high level fuel switches have been removed in accordance with modification kit 365A087690.00 or modification 0728B17; certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) model helicopters. This action requires you to disconnect the high level fuel switches in the fuel tanks on the affected helicopters. In addition, for helicopters without a crossfeed between the fuel filler necks, you must install a placard on or near the center console fuel panel that specifies fuel transfer limitations. This amendment is prompted by a report that a high level fuel switch probe unit installed on a Model SA-365N helicopter in the rear (right-hand) auxiliary fuel tank group separated, causing damage to the insulation of the electrical wires which supply electrical power to the high level indicator light on the fuel control panel during a fuel transfer. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to exposure of the electrical wires, which could lead to a short circuit and activation of the indicator light without the high fuel level actually being reached. Additionally, a short circuit could become an ignition source inside the fuel tank, and result in a fuel tank explosion and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
To prevent exposure of the electrical wires, which could lead to a short circuit and activation of the indicator light without the high fuel level actually being reached; and to prevent a short circuit, which could become an ignition source inside the fuel tank, and result in a fuel tank explosion and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Disconnect the fuel tank high level fuel switches in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.1., and by referring to Figure 1 of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 01.00.63, Revision 1, dated May 13, 2009 (EASB).
(b) For helicopters without a crossfeed between the fuel filler necks, install a placard on or near the center console fuel panel in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2., and by referring to Figures 2 and 3 of the EASB. The placard must use the same unit of measurement as the fuel quantity indicator (i.e., liters (l), kilograms (kg) or pounds (lb)), as depicted in Figure 2 of the EASB.
(c) 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, Safety Management Group, ATTN: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, George Schwab, Aerospace Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5114; fax (817) 222-5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(d) The Joint Aircraft System/Component Code is 2897: Fuel System Wiring.
(e) The actions required by this AD must be done in accordance with specified portions of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 01.00.63, Revision 1, dated May 13, 2009. The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75053-4005, telephone (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3710, or at http://www.eurocopter.com. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas, or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
