Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21027 · Equipment/furnishings, and 32, landing gear
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to the helicopters identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, and AS350D1 helicopters, modified by supplemental type certificate (STC) SR00470LA.
(2) Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters, modified by STC SR00645LA.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, A350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the installation of the pull cables on the emergency float kits. This AD was prompted by the results of an accident investigation and subsequent reports of difficulty pulling the emergency float kit float activation handle installed on the pilot cyclic. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 30 days, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed six months, inspect the installation of the pull cables on the emergency float kit and readjust the cable rigging if improperly installed, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, sections 1.0 through 1.4, of DART Aerospace Service Bulletin No. SB-2018-07, Revision D, dated November 25, 2019 (“SB-2018-07, Revision D”), except if the pull cable installation does not pass the test in section 1.3 after re-adjusting the cable rigging, you must comply with either paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this AD before further flight:
(1) Repair the pull cable installation.
(2) Deactivate and placard the emergency float system as inoperative in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, section 3.0, of SB-2018-07, Revision D. If the emergency float system has been deactivated and placarded as inoperative, you are not required to repeat the inspection specified in the introductory text of paragraph (g) of this AD.
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2) of this AD: This AD does not allow operation with an inoperative emergency float system unless the requirements of 14 CFR 91.213 have been met.
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.
