Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2008L04641:body:0:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2008L04641
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 2944–6217

in accordance with paragraph 2.B.2. of the ASB.

                           1.3.2. For helicopters equipped with a flotation gear limited to 1950 kg:

                             - For AS350 B and D helicopters:

                                - The maximum permissible weight of the helicopter for flight over water corresponds to the maximum permissible weight of the helicopter - refer to the Flight Manual to determine the maximum permissible weight of the helicopter.

                             - For AS350 BA helicopters:

                                - Flights over water are authorized but the maximum permissible helicopter weight is limited to 1950 kg.

                                - Affix a label (B) to the cockpit instrument panel indicating the maximum permissible weight of the helicopter for flight over water in accordance with paragraph 2.B.2. of the ASB.

                           1.3.3. For helicopters equipped with a flotation gear limited to 2600 kg:

                             - The maximum permissible weight of the helicopter for flight over water corresponds to the maximum permissible weight of the helicopter - refer to the Flight Manual to determine the maximum permissible weight of the helicopter.

                   2. For all applicable models, if the installation of the fixed and removable parts is non-compliant, return the emergency flotation gear to conformity:

                     - By replacement of the non compliant removable part with another part which conforms with the fixed part, or

                     - By replacement of the non compliant fixed part with another part which conforms with the removable part.

                   3. No person shall install an emergency flotation gear on a helicopter, unless its conformity with the approved configuration has been previously verified in accordance with paragraph 2.B.1. of the ASB.

                Note:  EASA AD 2008-0214-E refers.

Compliance:     1. Within 15 flying hours (FH) after the effective date of this Airworthiness Directive.

                2. No later than one year after the inspection carried out by Requirement 1.

                3. After the effective date of this Airworthiness Directive.
             This Amendment becomes effective on 11 December 2008.
Background:  For AS 350 helicopters there are three emergency flotation gear types, all certified by Eurocopter.  Such floatation gears are validated for maximum helicopter weights for flight over water of 1900 kg, 1950 kg or 2600 kg respectively.  Each emergency flotation gear type includes a fixed part and a removable part.  It is technically possible to mix the fixed and removable parts between these three types of emergency flotation gears.  However, non compliant (mixed) installation of fixed and removable parts of the three different emergency flotation gear types may cause insufficient effectiveness on ditching and may lead to instability of the helicopter on the water in case of emergency.  This Airworthiness Directive requires an inspection of the emergency flotation gear installation to verify the conformity of its fixed and removable parts.

             The original issue of this Directive, effective on 23 June 2004, was issued to