EASA AD No. 2011-0072

EASA Form 110 Page 1/3 

## EASA AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

AD No.: 2011-0072

Date: 20 April 2011
Note: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued by EASA, acting in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 on behalf of the European Community, its Member States and of the European third countries that participat e in the activities of EASA under Article 66 of that Regulation. This AD is issued in accordance with EC 1702/2003, Part 21A .3B. In accordance with EC 2042/2003 Annex I, Part M.A.301, the continuing airworthiness of an aircraft shall be ensured by accomplishing any applicable ADs. Consequently, no person may opera te an aircraft to which an AD applies, except in accordance with th e requirements of that AD, unless otherwise specified by the Ag ency [EC 2042/2003 Annex I, Part M.A.303] or agreed with the Authority of the State of Registry [EC 216/2008, Article 14(4) exemptio n]. 

### Type Approval Holder’s Name : EUROCOPTER Type/Model designation(s) : AS 350 and AS 355 helicopters
TCDS Number : EASA.R.008, EASA.R.146
Foreign AD : Not applicable
Supersedure : None



### ATA 25 Equipment & Furnishings – Emergency Flotation Gear Attachment Brackets – Inspection / Replacement

Manufacturer(s): Eurocopter (formerl y Eurocopter France, Aerospatiale) Applicability: AS 350 B, AS 350 BA, AS 350 BB, AS 350 B1, AS 350 B2, AS 350 B3 and AS 350 D helicopters, all serial numbers, and AS 355 E, AS 355 F, AS 355 F1, AS 355 F2, AS 355 N and AS 355 NP helicopters, all serial numbers, if equipped with fixed parts of the emergency flotation gear.
Reason: Several reports have been received of finding cracks on the attachment brackets of the emergency flotati on gear, which appear to be due to stress corrosion. This condition, if not detected and correc ted, could, in case of emergency landing on water, lead to rupture of t he emergency flotation gear attachment brackets, no longer ensuring the float stability of the helicopter, possibly resulting in damage to the helicopter and injury to the occupants. For the reasons described above, and pending the development and availability of a Eurocopter modifi cation, this AD requires repetitive inspections of the emergency flotation gear attachment brackets and depending on findings, replacement. This AD is considered an interim action and further action may follow. Effective Date: 04 May 2011EASA AD No. 2011-0072

EASA Form 110 Page 2/3 Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s): Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously: (1) Within the time indicated in Table 1 of this AD, inspect the attachment brackets of the emergency flotat ion gear in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 3 of Eurocopter AS350 ASB 05.00.63 or AS355 ASB 05.00.58, as applicable to helicopter type. Table 1 – Initial Inspection
Date of statement of conformity on the data plate of the helicopter: Compliance Time:

03/2011 or before within the 110 flight hours or 3 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD
04/2011 or later within 13 months after the date of statement of conformity, as specified on the data plate of the helicopter (2) After the initial inspection as required by paragraph (1) of this AD, at intervals not exceeding 13 months, repeat the inspection of the attachment brackets of the emergency flotation gear in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 3 (except paragraph 3.B.2.a.) of Eurocopter AS350 ASB 05.00.63 or AS355 ASB 05.00.58, as applicable to helicopter type. (3) If, during any inspection as require d by paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) of this AD, cracks are found, befor e next flight, replace the affected bracket in accordance with the instru ctions of paragraph 3 of Eurocopter AS350 ASB 05.00.63 or AS355 ASB 05.00.58, as applicable to helicopter type. (4) From the effective date of this AD, do not install emergency flotation gear attachment brackets with Part Number (P/N) 158172, P/N 158173, P/N 158288, or P/N 158289 which have logged flight hours on any helicopter, unless the attachment br acket has passed the inspection in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 3.B.2. of Eurocopter AS350 ASB 05.00.63 or AS355 ASB 05.00.58, as applicable to helicopter type. (5) Installation of a new bracket with (P/N) 158172, P/N 158173, P/N 158288, or P/N 158289, does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspection required in paragraph (2) of this AD.
Ref. Publications: EUROCOPTER AS350 ASB No. 05.00.63 Revision 1, dated 18 April 2011.
EUROCOPTER AS355 ASB No. 05.00.58 Revision 1, dated 18 April 2011. The use of later approved revisions of these documents is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this AD.
Remarks : 1. If requested and appro priately substantiated, EASA can accept Alternative Methods of Compliance for this AD. 2. The required actions and the risk allowance have granted the issuance of a Final AD with Request for Comments, postponing the public consultation process after publication. 3. Enquiries regarding this AD should be referred to the Airworthiness Directives, Safety Management & Re search Section, CertificationEASA AD No. 2011-0072

EASA Form 110 Page 3/3 Directorate, EASA. E-mail ADs@easa.europa.eu

. 4. For any question concerning the tec hnical content of the requirements in this AD, please contac t: EUROCOPTER (STDI) - Aéroport de Marseille Provence 13725 Marignane Cedex - France. Tel: +33 (0) 4 42 85 97 97 - Fax: +33 (0) 4 42 85 99 66. E-mail: Directive.technical-support@eurocopter.com

.