Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17282 · Emergency equipment
Eurocopter France Helicopters
This AD applies to Eurocopter France Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters with an Aerazur emergency flotation gear attachment bracket, part number 158172, 158173, 158288, or 158289, installed, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters with certain Aerazur emergency flotation gear attachment brackets (brackets) installed. This AD requires an initial and recurring inspection of the brackets for a crack, and if there is a crack, replacing the cracked bracket with an airworthy bracket. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks on the brackets. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent failure of the emergency flotation system and loss of float stability in the event of a water landing.
You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless accomplished previously.
Within 110 hours time-in-service or 3 months, whichever occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 13 months:
(1) Using a 5X or higher power magnifying glass, visually inspect the front emergency floatation gear attachment bracket, section B-B, item (e) in Areas F, G, and H of Figure 1 of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. AS350-05.00.63 or No. AS355-05.00.58, both Revision 1, and both dated April 18, 2011, as applicable to your model helicopter (ASB); and the rear emergency flotation gear attachment bracket, section A-A, item (a) in Areas D and E of Figure 1 of the ASB, for a crack.
(2) If there is a crack, replace the cracked emergency floatation gear attachment bracket with an airworthy emergency floatation gear attachment bracket prior to reinstallation of the emergency flotation equipment.
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.
