AD/S-Puma/68 Jettisonable Window Panel Seal and Cabin Trimming (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/68 Jettisonable Window Panel Seal
and Cabin Trimming 2/2007

Applicability:

Model AS 332 C, AS 332 C1, AS 332 L, AS 332 L1, and AS 332 L2 helicopters, all serial numbers, delivered before 1 September 2006.

Requirement:

Inspect the area between the seal of the jettisonable window panel and cabin trimming, and if necessary, rework to have a functional clearance all around the edge of the windows, in accordance with paragraph 2 of Eurocopter AS 332 Alert Service Bulletin No. 25.01.80 original issue, or later EASA approved revision.

Note:  EASA AD 2006-0340 refers.

Compliance:

Within 375 flight hours after 15 February 2007, unless already accomplished.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 15 February 2007.

Background:

The EASA received a report of interference between the passenger cabin trimming and the seal of the jettisonable window panel.  This seal includes a pull-out key which allows the removal of the seal and window release.  A minimum functional clearance is necessary in order to access the key and remove the seal from the window.  If this clearance does not exist, the jettisoning of the window panel could be jeopardised in the event of an emergency evacuation.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

19 December 2006