EASA AD No.: 2013-0237-E 

TE.CAP.00111-003 © European Aviation Safety Agency. All rights reserved. 1/2 

Proprietary document. Copies are not controlled. Confirm revision status through the EASA-Internet/Intranet.

EASA EMERGENCY AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE 

AD No.: 2013-0237-E 

Date: 26 September 2013 

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 EU 748/2012, Part 21.A.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]. 

Design Approval Holder’s Name: 

EUROCOPTER 

Type/Model designation(s): 

AS 332 L1 and EC 225 LP helicopters 

TCDS Number: EASA.R.002 

Foreign AD: Not applicable 

Supersedure: None 

ATA 25 Equipment and Furnishing – Emergency Flotation Gear – 

Inspection 

Manufacturer(s): Eurocopter (formerly Eurocopter France) 

Applicability: EC 225 LP helicopters, all serial numbers, equipped with Emergency Flotation 

Gear, and AS 332 L1 helicopters, all serial numbers, equipped with Emergency 

Flotation Gear incorporating Eurocopter modification MOD OP26277. 

Reason: On several recently delivered EC225 helicopters, an incorrect routing of the 

straps on the hinged rods of left-hand (LH) side and right-hand (RH) side rear 

cradles of the emergency flotation gear installation was reported. The straps 

were routed over the hinged rods’ median plate instead of under it. Some 

AS 332 L1 helicopters (those incorporating MOD OP26277) are equipped with 

an emergency flotation gear of similar design. 

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

rods and straps upon deployment of the emergency flotation gear during 

ditching and consequent unsafe positioning of the rear floats, possibly resulting 

in helicopter capsizing. 

To address this potential unsafe condition, Eurocopter issued Emergency Alert 

Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 25A142 for EC 225 LP helicopters, and ASB No. 

25.02.76 for AS 332 L1 helicopters to provide inspection instructions. 

For the reasons described above, this AD requires a one-time inspection of the 

hinged rods of the emergency flotation gear LH and RH rear cradles and, 

depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s). 

Effective Date: 28 September 2013 
EASA AD No.: 2013-0237-E 

TE.CAP.00111-003 © European Aviation Safety Agency. All rights reserved. 2/2 

Proprietary document. Copies are not controlled. Confirm revision status through the EASA-Internet/Intranet.

Required Action(s) 

and Compliance 

Time(s): 

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously: 

(1) Before the next overwater flight after the effective date of this AD, inspect 

the hinged rods of the emergency flotation gear LH and RH rear cradles in 

accordance with the instructions of Eurocopter EC225 ASB No. 25A142 or 

AS332 ASB No. 25.02.76, as applicable to the helicopter model. 

(2) If, during the inspection as required by paragraph (1) of this AD, any 

discrepancy, as defined in Eurocopter EC225 ASB No. 25A142 or AS332 

ASB No. 25.02.76, as applicable to the helicopter model, is detected, 

before the next overwater flight, accomplish all the applicable corrective 

actions in accordance with the instructions of Eurocopter EC225 ASB No. 

25A142, or AS332 ASB No. 25.02.76, as applicable to the helicopter 

model. 

Ref. Publications: Eurocopter EC225 ASB No. 25A142 original issue, dated 25 September 2013, 

Eurocopter AS332 ASB No. 25.02.76 original issue, dated 25 September 2013. 

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 results of the safety assessment have indicated the need for 

immediate publication and notification, without the full public consultation 

process. 

3. Enquiries regarding this AD should be referred to the Safety Information 

Section, Executive 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 (4) 42 85 97 97, Facsimile +33 (4) 42 85 99 66 

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