Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21449 · Window/windshield system
Airbus Helicopters
This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC 155B, EC155B1, EC225LP, and SA330J helicopters, certificated in any category, with window extraction tape with snap fasteners installed.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC 155B, EC155B1, EC225LP, and SA330J helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the snap fasteners on the windows. This AD was prompted by incidents of difficulty unbuttoning the extraction tape on the windows. 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.
Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspect each internal and external snap fastener to determine if it can be unbuttoned by hand.
Note 1 to the introductory text of paragraph (e): Airbus Helicopters refers to the snap fastener as a “press-stud.”
(1) If all internal and external snap fasteners can be unbuttoned by hand, no further action is required by this AD.
(2) If an external snap fastener does not unbutton by hand:
(i) Before further flight, replace the male part of the snap fastener and determine if the snap fastener can be unbuttoned by hand force. If the snap fastener still does not unbutton by hand, before further flight, install self-gripping tape.
(ii) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS, inspect the external extraction tape and self-gripping tape for a crack, a tear, disintegration, or wear. If the extraction tape or self-gripping tape has a crack, a tear, any disintegration, wear, or is missing, before further flight, replace the tape. Replacing the extraction tape or self-gripping tape does not terminate this repetitive inspection.
(iii) Within 100 hours TIS, replace each external snap fastener by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.4., of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS332-56.00.10, Revision 0, dated July 16, 2015 (ASB AS332-56.00.10); ASB No. EC155-56A006, Revision 0, dated August 10, 2015 (ASB EC155-56A006); ASB No. EC225-56A008, Revision 0, dated July 16, 2015 (ASB EC225-56A008); or ASB No. SA330-56.02, Revision 0, dated August 10, 2015 (ASB SA330-56.02), as applicable to your model helicopter. Replacing the external snap fastener terminates the repetitive inspection requirements specified in paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(3) If an internal snap fastener does not unbutton by hand:
(i) Before further flight, install self-gripping tape by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.3., of AS332-56.00.10, ASB EC155-56A006, ASB EC225-56A008, or ASB SA330-56.02, as applicable to your model helicopter.
(ii) Within 900 hours TIS, replace each internal snap fastener by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.5., of ASB AS332-56.00.10, ASB EC155-56A006, ASB EC225-56A008, or ASB SA330-56.02, as applicable to your model helicopter.
