Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21333 · Rotorcraft flight control
Airbus Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2021-19-09. Comply with the one in force.
This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, and AS355F2 helicopters, certificated in any category, with DUNLOP cyclic stick grip manufacturer part number AC66444 with UP/DOWN switches for rescue hoist control installed.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, and AS355F2 helicopters. This AD requires testing the UP/DOWN switches of a certain part-numbered DUNLOP cyclic stick grip, installing a placard, and revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter, or removing the DUNLOP cyclic stick grip. This AD was prompted by an inadvertent activation of the rescue hoist cable cutter. The actions of this AD are intended to address 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.
(1) Before each hoist operation, accomplish a ground test of the UP/DOWN switches for proper function. If there is any uncommanded hoist action, before further flight, remove the DUNLOP cyclic stick grip from service.
(2) Before the next hoist operation:
(i) Install a placard in full view of the pilot by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 01.00.58 or 01.00.72, each Revision 0 and dated October 1, 2020 (EASB 01.00.58 or 01.00.72), as applicable to your helicopter.
(ii) Revise the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter by inserting the Limitations page applicable to your helicopter model and version from Appendix 4.C. through L, of EASB 01.00.58 or 01.00.72. Inserting a different document with information identical to that in Appendix 4.C. through L., of EASB 01.00.58 or 01.00.72, as applicable to your helicopter model and version, is acceptable for compliance with the requirement of this paragraph.
(3) After complying with paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, each time the DUNLOP cyclic stick grip that is identified in paragraph (a) of this AD is removed from the helicopter, you may remove the placard and RFM revision that are required by paragraphs (e)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD. Before the DUNLOP cyclic stick grip is re-installed, you must re-install the placard and RFM revision that are required by paragraphs (e)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
(4) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a DUNLOP cyclic stick grip that is identified in paragraph (a) of this AD unless the requirements of paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this AD have been accomplished.
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.
