Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17696 · Emergency exits
Eurocopter France Helicopters
This AD applies to Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters, certificated in any category, that have never undergone a window-jettison test.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires visually inspecting each jettisonable emergency exit window panel (window) for sealant, and removing any sealant that exists in the window's extruded sections. This AD was prompted by jettison tests during routine maintenance inspections that showed the windows failed to jettison. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent failure of the windows to jettison, so helicopter occupants can exit the aircraft during an emergency.
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.
Within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS), visually inspect each jettisonable emergency exit window panel (window) by doing the following:
(1) Lift the extrusion slightly using a flat tool that does not cause scoring.
(2) Inspect for sealant on the inside and outside of the window between the window and the extrusion and between the extrusion and the structure.
Note 1 to paragraph (e)(2) of this AD: The presence of a sealant bead on the extrusion parting lines, on the window pull-out seal parting lines, and on the pull-out straps is expected, as shown in Figure 1 of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS332-56.00.04 or ASB No. EC225-56A002, both Revision 0, and both dated August 8, 2012, as applicable to your model helicopter.
(3) If there is no sealant as shown in Photo 1 of Figure 2 of Eurocopter ASB No. AS332-56.00.04 or ASB No. EC225-56A002, as applicable to your model helicopter, no further action is required.
(4) If there is sealant between the structure and the profile as shown in Photo 2 of Figure 2 of Eurocopter ASB No. AS332-56.00.04 or ASB No. EC225-56A002, as applicable to your model helicopter, or if you cannot determine whether there is sealant, remove the extrusion.
(5) Remove all sealant from the extrusion, the window, and the structure.
(6) If there is any crazing, cracking or other damage on the extrusion, replace with an airworthy extrusion.
