EASA AD No.: 2009-0256 

EASA Form 110 Page 1/2 

EASA AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE 

AD No.: 2009-0256 

Date: 02 December 2009 

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 participate 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 operate an 

aircraft to which an AD applies, except in accordance with the requirements of that AD unless otherwise specified by the Agency [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) exemption]. 

Type Approval Holder’s Name : 

EUROCOPTER 

Type/Model designation(s) : 

AS 350 and EC 130 helicopters 

TCDS Number : EASA.R.008 

Foreign AD : Not Applicable 

Supersedure: None 

ATA 76 Engine controls – Contactors 53Ka and 53Kb – Check 

Manufacturer(s): Eurocopter 

Applicability: AS350 B3 and EC130 B4 helicopters, all serial numbers, if equipped with the 

ARRIEL 2B1 engine associated with the two-channel FADEC, and embodying 

modification (MOD) 073254 (AS 350 B3) or MOD 073773 (EC 130 B4) (new twist 

grip). 

Reason: During trouble-shooting analysis performed by Eurocopter, it was found that there 

is the risk of a dormant failure of one of the two contactors 53Ka or 53Kb following 

the introduction of MOD 073254 (AS350 B3) or MOD 073773 (EC130 B4). 

Failure of the other contactor, associated with this dormant failure, can prevent 

switching from "IDLE" mode to "FLIGHT" mode during training of autorotation 

landing, which would make impossible aborting the autorotation, even if needed, 

and compel the pilot to continue autorotation until touchdown. 

For the reason stated above, pending a modification of the definition, this AD 

requires repetitive checks of the contactors 53Ka and 53Kb for correct opening 

and closing in order to detect their dormant failure. 

Effective Date: 16 December 2009 
EASA AD No.: 2009-0256 

EASA Form 110 Page 2/2 

Required action(s) 

and Compliance 

Time(s): 

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously: 

Before the next training of autorotation landing, but no later than 100 flying hours 

(FH) after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, check the IDLE and 

FLIGHT controls on the pilot’s and co-pilot’s twist grips in accordance with 

paragraph 2 of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 05.00.61 or No. 

05A009, depending on the helicopter model, and thereafter repeat this check at 

intervals not exceeding 600 FH. 

Ref. Publications: Eurocopter AS 350 Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.00.61 revision 0 dated 12 

November 2009; 

Eurocopter EC 130 Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A009 revision 0 dated 12 

November 2009: 

The use of later approved revisions of these documents is acceptable for 

compliance with the requirements of this AD. 

Remarks: 1. If requested and appropriately substantiated, EASA can approve 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 & Research Section, Certification Directorate, 

EASA. E-mail: ADs@easa.europa.eu. 

4. For any question concerning the technical content of the requirements in this 

AD, please contact: EUROCOPTER (STDI) - Aéroport de Marseille Provence 

13725 Marignane Cedex, France. 

Telephone +33 (0) 4 42 85 97 97, Fax +33 (0) 4 42 85 99 66 

E-mail: Directive.technical-support@eurocopter.com.