Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17454 · Exterior lighting
Spectrolab Nightsun XP Searchlight
This AD applies to Spectrolab Nightsun XP Searchlight Assembly Systems with gimbal assembly part number (P/N) 033295-1 or 033295-2, installed on, but not limited to, Agusta S.p.A. Model AB139 and Model AW139 helicopters, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-92A helicopters, and Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model EC135 and Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters, certificated in any category. The searchlight assembly system P/Ns and revision level using one of the two affected gimbal assembly P/Ns are listed in Table 1 to Paragraph (a) of this AD.
| System P/N | Nomenclature | Affected revisions |
|---|---|---|
| 033338 | Nightsun XP Searchlight System | A through D. |
| 033338-3 | Nightsun XP Searchlight System | A through D. |
| 033338-4 | Nightsun XP Searchlight System | A through D. |
| 033704 | IFCO Nightsun XP Searchlight System | A through C. |
| 033704-1 | IFCO Nightsun XP Searchlight System | A through C. |
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for a certain Spectrolab Nightsun XP Searchlight Assembly (searchlight) installed on, but not limited to Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and Model AW139 helicopters, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters, and Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (Eurocopter) Model EC135 and Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. This AD requires, before further flight, inserting information into the Normal Procedures section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM), a daily check of the searchlight, and at a specified time interval or if certain conditions are found, modifying any affected searchlight gimbal assembly. This AD was prompted by a report of a searchlight vibrating and an investigation that revealed that the gimbal azimuth top nut was loose. A loose nut, if not detected and corrected, could result in a gap between the rubber edging of the top shroud and the gimbal frame, leading to degradation of pointing accuracy and stability performance of the searchlight and excessive vibration. If the nut were to entirely disengage, the searchlight could disconnect partially or totally from the helicopter, resulting in damage to the helicopter and injury to persons on the ground. The actions of this AD are intended to ensure that the searchlight remains firmly attached to the helicopter.
You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time.
(1) Before further flight, insert a copy of Nightsun XP Searchlight Safety and Service Bulletin No. SL 0810-01, Amendment No. 2, dated September 24, 2010, into the Normal Procedures section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual.
(2) Before the first flight of each day, visually check the searchlight installation for a gap between the top shroud rubber edging, P/N 033381, and the side covers, P/N 033286, with slight pressure applied to either side of the searchlight. The edging must remain in physical contact with the side covers when slight pressure is applied to the searchlight.
(3) The actions required by paragraph (e)(2) of this AD may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a Private Pilot Certificate, and must be entered into the helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1)-(4) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(4) If the edging does not remain in physical contact with the side cover when slight pressure is applied to the searchlight in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, before further flight, with an affected Spectrolab Nightsun XP Searchlight assembly system installed, modify and re-identify the gimbal assembly in accordance with paragraph (e)(5) of this AD.
(5) Within 100 hours time-in-service, modify and re-identify the gimbal assembly in accordance with Nightsun XP Searchlight System Kit and Procedure to Incorporate EASA AD 2010-0183 Conformance, 034374 Revision NC, approved September 28, 2010, steps 1 through 13.
(6) Accomplishing paragraph (e)(5) of this AD is terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
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.
Aircraft
Appliances and equipment
