AD/Dauphin/79 Life Raft Installation (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters

AD/DAUPHIN/79 Life Raft Installation 7/2005 DM

Applicability:

All Model SA 365 N and N1 helicopters, and All Model AS 365 N2 and N3 helicopters; equipped with life rafts, part numbers 203631-1 (704A42.6910.06) or 203631-2 (704A42.6910.19) or 203631-3 (704A42.6910.54).

Requirement:

Modify the life raft launching instruction labels in accordance with Paragraph 2 of Eurocopter Alert Telex No. 25.00.70.

Note:  DGAC AD F-2005-085 refers.

Compliance:

Before the next flight over water after 27 May 2005.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 27 May 2005.

Background:

The manufacturer has discovered that there was interference between the optional headrests of the first row of passenger seats and the life rafts, during a life raft launching test on an AS 365 N3 helicopter.  Such interference could compromise life raft launching in the event of a ditching.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

25 May 2005