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 39.1 (1) of CAR 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 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters

AD/AS 355/70 Electric Hoists 2/2003 DM

Applicability: AS 355 helicopters versions E, F, F1, F2 and N, equipped with the optional Breeze, TRW, Lucas or Air Equipement 300 lb (136 kg) electric hoist and 26 M hoist box part number (P/N) 350A63-1136-01, not modified per MOD 073190, and delivered before 1 October 2002.

Requirement: 1. Remove and modify the hoist box in accordance with paragraph 2.B of Eurocopter AS 355 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 25.00.71.

2. 26 M hoist boxes P/N 350A63-1136-01 not modified per MOD 073190, held as spares, may not be installed on any helicopter unless modified in accordance with paragraph 2.B.2.b. of the ASB.

Note: DGAC AD 2002-585(A) refers.

Compliance: For Requirement 1:

Helicopters equipped with a Breeze 300 lb (136 kg) electric hoist - Within the next 100 hours time in service (TIS) or 2 months, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this Directive.

Helicopters equipped with a TRW, Lucas or Air Equipement 300 lb (136 kg) electric hoist - Within the next 550 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this Directive or before replacing the hoist with a Breeze hoist.

For Requirement 2 - As of the effective date of this Directive.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 8 January 2003.

Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters

AD/AS 355/70 (continued)

Background: This Directive requires the modification of the 26 M hoist box to prevent the failure of the Breeze hoist pyrotechnic squib electrical control to operate.

James Coyne

Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 20 December 2002

The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 8 January 2003.