Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18867 · Emergency flotation section
Airbus Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2020-23-03. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters with emergency flotation gear installed, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires repetitively checking screws in the emergency flotation gear. This AD is prompted by a report that a screw ruptured on a Model AS332 helicopter's emergency flotation gear. These actions are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products.
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 15 hours time-in-service, and before each flight over water thereafter:
(1) Visually check each emergency flotation gear left hand and right hand rear upper fitting to determine whether the heads of the lower screws are present. Figure 1 to paragraph (e)(1) of this AD depicts where the lower three screws (noted as B and E) are located. Check each screw for looseness by determining whether it can be rotated by hand. The actions required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14CFR) §§ 43.9(a)(1)-(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(2) If a screw head is missing or if a screw is loose, before further flight over water, replace all screws in the fitting. Replacing the screws is not a terminating action for the repetitive checks required by this AD.
