Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17737 · Emergency flotation section
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Helicopters
This AD applies to Model EC225LP helicopters with emergency flotation gear installed and Model AS332L1 helicopters with emergency flotation gear with Eurocopter Modification OP26277 installed, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter Model EC225LP and AS332L1 helicopters with emergency floatation gear. The AD requires, before the next overwater flight, inspecting the strap installation on the hinged rods of the emergency flotation gear on both rear cradles for correct installation. If a strap is installed under the hinged rod median plate rather than over it, reinstalling the strap is required. The AD is prompted by incorrect routing of the straps on the hinged rods of the emergency flotation gear rear cradles. The actions are intended to detect incorrect strap installation and prevent failure of the rods or straps upon deployment of the emergency flotation gear, incorrect float position, and subsequent capsizing of 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 the next overwater flight, inspect each left hand and right hand rear cradle strap on the hinged rods of the emergency flotation gear for correct installation as shown in Photo 1, Figure 1, of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 25A142, Revision 0, dated September 25, 2013 (EASB No. 25A142), for Model EC225LP helicopters or EASB No. 25.02.76, Revision 0, dated September 25, 2013 (EASB No. 25.02.76), for Model AS332L1 helicopters. Both straps must be installed over the hinged rod's median plate.
(2) If any strap is installed under the plate as shown in Photo 2, Figure 1, of EASB No. 25A142 or No. 25.02.76, reinstall each incorrectly routed strap so that each strap is installed over the plate as depicted in Figure 2 and Figure 3 of EASB No. 25A142 or No. 25.02.76, as applicable to your model helicopter.
