AD/S-Puma/61 Engine Fire Extinguishers (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 AS 332 (Super Puma) Series Helicopters

AD/S-PUMA/61 Engine Fire Extinguishers 9/2005

Applicability:

AS 332 C, C1, L, L1 and L2 helicopters, equipped with engine fire extinguishers, part number 863490-00, pre-MOD 0726371.

The serial numbers of the fire extinguishers applicable are:

1.    Manufactured in 2001: 59186, 59188, 59189, 59190, 59192, 59193, 59194, 59195, 59196, 59198, 59581, 59582, 59583, 59585, 59587, 59588, 59590, 59592, 59594, 59595 and 59597.

2.    Manufactured after 2001: all serial numbers.

Requirement:

1.    Engine fire extinguishers listed in applicability 1. above;

(a)   Weigh the engine fire extinguisher in accordance with the instructions detailed in paragraph 2.B.2. of EUROCOPTER AS 332 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 05.00.62.

(b)   Embody MOD 0726371 (fire extinguisher part number 863490-01) in accordance with the instructions specified in paragraph 2.B.3. of EUROCOPTER AS 332 ASB No. 05.00.62.

2.    Engine fire extinguishers listed in applicability 2. above;

(a)   Weigh the engine fire extinguisher in accordance with the instructions specified in paragraph 2.B.2. of EUROCOPTER AS 332 ASB No. 05.00.62.

(b)   Comply with the instructions specified in paragraph 2.B.3. of EUROCOPTER AS 332 ASB No. 05.00.62. (Corresponds to MOD 0726371).

3.    Fire extinguishers PN 863490-00 held as spares:

Weigh the engine fire extinguisher in accordance with the instructions detailed in paragraph 2.B.2. of EUROCOPTER AS 332 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 05.00.62.

Note:  DGAC AD F-2005-094 EASA Approval No.2005-4742 dated 31 May 2005 refers.

Compliance:

1.     (a)   At the latest, within 110 flying hours or 2 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this Directive, then at intervals not exceeding 110 flying hours or 2 months, whichever occurs first (the first limit reached is applicable), until compliance is shown with Requirement 1(b)  of this Directive.

1.    (b)   At the latest, within 6 months after the effective date of this Directive.

2.    (a)   At the latest, within 110 flying hours or 2 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this Directive, then at intervals not exceeding 6 months, until compliance is shown with Requirement 2(b) of this Directive.

2.    (b)   During the next proof test to be performed no later than within 5 years following manufacture or the last proof test.

3.    Before installation in an aircraft after the effective date of this Directive.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 1 September 2005.

Background:

This Directive is in response to cases of loss of weight of fire extinguishers with similar technical definition, discovered during weighing operations.

These cases of loss of weight are due to leaks caused by corrosion under the welded identification plates.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

21 July 2005