Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16834 · Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC225LP Helicopters
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC225LP Helicopters
Model EC225LP helicopters, with an airworthiness certificate issued before December 15, 2009, with FISHER H140 pilot and co-pilot seats, part number (P/N) 052010032000D61091, Eurocopter P/N 704A41120116, or with Eurocopter co-pilot seat, P/N 332V08-0180-00, installed, certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Eurocopter Model EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the side mount of the pilot and copilot seats to determine if any floor attachment screw, nut, or washer is missing. If a screw, nut, or washer is missing, this AD also requires installing airworthy parts. This AD is prompted by a report that some of the floor attachment screws and nuts under the pilot and co-pilot seats were missing. Further investigation has shown that some of the cup washers that need to be used in installing countersunk head screws that attach the pilot and co-pilot seat frame to the floor were missing. A missing floor attachment screw, washer, or nut, if not detected, could reduce the strength of the seat attachment. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect a missing floor attachment screw, washer, or nut and help prevent detachment of the seat from the floor during an emergency landing.
To detect a missing floor attachment screw, nut, or washer to help prevent detachment of the seat from the floor during an emergency landing, do the following:
(a) Within 85 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspect for the presence of 4 screws and 4 nuts on each side of the copilot's seat mount and 1 screw and 1 nut on each side of the pilot's seat mount by reference to Figures 1 through 4 of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 53A020, Revision 0, dated February 17, 2010 (ASB).
(b) If any screw, nut, or cup washer is missing, remove the seat and mount and before further flight, countersink the hole and install airworthy parts and replace the mount and seat by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.b.2.b., of the ASB.
(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, FAA, Attn: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5130, fax (817) 222-5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(d) The Joint Aircraft System/Component Code is 2500: Cabin Equipment/Furnishings.
(e) The inspection and repair of the pilot and co-pilot seats shall be done by following the specified portions of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 53A020, Revision 0, dated February 17, 2010. 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.
