EASA AD No.: 2009-0109-E 

EASA Form 111 Page 1/2 

EASA EMERGENCY AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE 

AD No.: 2009-0109-E 

Date: 07 May 2009 

Note: This Emergency 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) : 

SA 365 N and N1 helicopters 

TCDS Number : France No 159 

Foreign AD : Not applicable 

Supersedure : None 

ATA 28 Fuel – High Level Switches / Fuel Transfer between Fuel Tank 

Groups – Modification / Limitation 

Manufacturer(s): Eurocopter France, Aérospatiale 

Applicability: 

SA 365 N and SA 365 N1 helicopters, all serial numbers, except those 

incorporating modification kit 365A087690.00 or modification 0728B17 (the 

removal of the two high level switches from helicopters equipped with a 

crossfeed between the fuel filler necks). 

Reason: 

One SA 365 N operator noted that the high level switch probe unit, located in the 

rear (right hand) auxiliary fuel tank group had separated. This caused damage to 

the insulation of the electrical wires which supply the high level indicator light on 

the fuel control panel during a fuel transfer. 

This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to exposure of the 

electrical wires, potentially causing a short circuit and subsequent lighting of the 

indicator light without the high fuel level actually being reached. In addition, a 

short circuit could become a potential ignition source inside the fuel tank which, 

in combination with flammable fuel vapours (if present), could result in a fuel 

tank explosion and consequent loss of the helicopter. 

For the reasons described above, this AD requires the disconnection of the high 

level switches on the affected helicopters. Disconnecting the switches inhibits 

the high (fuel) level warning system which normally informs the flight crew of the 

risk of fuel overflowing from the tank vents. To mitigate that risk, this AD also 

requires, for certain helicopters, the installation of a placard near the fuel panel, 

limiting the transfer of fuel between fuel tank groups to cases where the 

receiving fuel tank group contains less than 300 liter (240 kg or 529 lbs.). 

This AD is considered to be a temporary measure and further action is likely to 

follow. 
EASA AD No.: 2009-0109-E 

EASA Form 111 Page 2/2 

Effective Date: 08 May 2009 

Required Action(s) 

and Compliance 

Time(s): 

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously: 

Within 10 flight hours or 30 days, whichever occurs first after the effective date 

of this AD, accomplish the following actions, as applicable: 

(1) On all affected helicopters, disconnect the high level switches in accordance 

with the instructions of paragraph 2.B.1 of Eurocopter AS365 Alert Service 

Bulletin (ASB) 01.00.63. 

(2) On helicopters not equipped with a crossfeed between the fuel filler necks, 

install a placard near the fuel panel in accordance with the instructions of 

paragraph 2.B.2 of Eurocopter AS365 ASB 01.00.63. 

Ref. Publications: 

Eurocopter AS365 ASB 01.00.63 dated 05 May 2009. 

The use of later approved revisions of this document 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 safety assessment has requested not to implement the full consultation 

process and an immediate publication and notification. 

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.