AD/GBK 117/17 Fire Protection System Clamps (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 BK 117 Series Helicopters

AD/GBK 117/17 Fire Protection System Clamps 7/2007

Applicability:

Model MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters, serial number (S/N) 9004 through 9104, and 9106, 9107 and 9111, fitted with fire extinguishing system B262K1002-801, B262K1003-801 or B262K1004-801.

Requirement:

Replace clamps Part Number NAS1922-0100-3 or TORRO 16-27/9C7W5 with clamps P/N GBSM24/18W4SK in accordance with Eurocopter Deutschland Alert Service Bulletin No. MBB BK117 C-2-26A-001 dated 22 January 2007 or later NAA approved revision.

Note:  EASA AD 2007-0121 dated 3 May 2007 refers.

Compliance:

At the next 100 Flight hour inspection, but not later than 31 December 2007, whichever occurs first.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 5 July 2007.

Background:

An investigation following an inadvertent operation of the fire extinguishing system discovered that one of two injection tubes became disconnected.  This condition, if not corrected, could affect the ability of the fire extinguishing system to perform its intended function.

Charles Lenarcic
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

15 May 2007