AD/Dauphin/85 CPT 609 Crash Position Transmitter Beacon Antenna (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/85 CPT 609 Crash Position
Transmitter Beacon Antenna 7/2006 TX

Applicability:	AS 365 N3 helicopters, equipped with CPT 609 crash position transmitter beacons.
Requirement:	1.    Check the attachment of the antenna of the CPT 609 crash position transmitter beacon, in accordance with the instructions in paragraph 2.B. of Eurocopter AS 365 Alert Service Bulletins (ASB) 05.00.53 or later approved revision.
Note 1:  The Requirement 1 check may be accomplished by a suitably trained pilot.
2.    If the antenna is found to be damaged or fails during the Requirement 1 check, remove the antenna, in compliance with the instructions specified in paragraph 2.B.2. of the referenced ASB.
Note 2:  EASA Emergency AD 2006-0126-E refers.
Compliance:	For Requirement 1 - After each flight.
For Requirement 2 - Before the next flight following the Requirement 1 check.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 26 May 2006.
Background:	Eurocopter has received reports of failure of the mounting base of the CPT 609 crash position transmitter beacon antenna.  The failures have been determined to be caused by vibration.  Failure of the antenna will significantly reduce the radiated power of the crass position transmitter and loss of the antenna during flight may jeopardize the safety of persons on the ground.
This Directive requires the antenna to be inspected for integrity after each flight.  Further rulemaking is anticipated after the equipment manufacturer develops a modification to the antenna.

James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

23 May 2006