AD NUMBER: 2008-03-07
MANUFACTURER: Eurocopter France
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2008-03-07
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter Model AS 332 L2 helicopters.This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Technical Agent of France, with which we have a bilateral agreement, states in the MCAI: A borescope inspection during scheduled maintenance revealed wear on the internal skin of a Life Raft Inflation Cylinder, P/N 41918001, that had been installed on a Eurocopter AS 332 L2 helicopter. The plunger tube end is fitted with a metal end-fitting that presses against the internal surface of the cylinder due to its installation horizontally aboard the aircraft. Vibrations generated by helicopter operation are therefore causing such wear,which may result in a drop of internal pressure of the cylinder. This internal damage, if not corrected, could lead to functional failure of the cylinder, making the life raft inflation no longer possible. This AD requires actions that are intended to address the failure of a life raft to inflate during an emergency landing on water (ditching), which could result in loss of the crew and passengers.

FMI: www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/airworthiness_directives/