Sat, Feb 04, 2006
Applicability:
AS 332 L2 helicopters equipped with an optional type CPI 503 (Crash
Position Indicator) emergency locator transmitter, fitted with an
immersion sensor part number (P/N) 503-23 (704A 45737057).
Requirement: 1. Check that the battery is
installed in the interface unit and electrically inhibit the
immersion detection function in compliance with the instructions
specified in paragraph 2 of Eurocopter AS332 Alert Telex
25.01.71.
2. Pending the availability of a technical solution to restore the
inhibited function, insert a copy of this Directive in the Aircraft
Flight Manual (AFM) in order to inform crews that the immersion
detection function is ineffective in the event of forced ditching.
The emergency locator transmitter beacon can still be released
manually via the control unit and automatically in the event of a
crash.
Note 1: Although the immersion detection function is
electrically inhibited, the emergency locator transmitter beacon
can be set to transmit manually via its control unit.
Note 2: DGAC AD F-2006-036 (EASA Approval 2006-0023) refers.
Compliance:
For Requirement 1 - Within 50 flying hours after the effective
date of this Directive but no later than 6 March 2006.
For Requirement 2 - Concurrent with the Requirement 1 deactivation
of the immersion detection function.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 6 February
2006.
Background:
This Directive is issued following advice from the Direction
Générale de l’Aviation Civile (DGAC) of France
that some cases of untimely deployment of the emergency locator
transmitter beacon on AS 332 L2 helicopters had been reported. The
analysis carried out by the manufacturer has revealed an anomaly on
the immersion sensor, which can give rise to untimely deployment of
the emergency locator transmitter beacon. Furthermore, some
interface units may have been installed without a battery.
In addition to the loss of the emergency locator transmitter
function, the dropping of the emergency locator transmitter beacon
could be a danger to persons on the ground. Further rulemaking by
the DGAC to correct the unsafe condition is expected.
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