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 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 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters

AD/AS 355/74 Camera System Installation 12/2003

DM

Applicability: Model AS 355 helicopters that have been modified in accordance with Mann Aviation Group (Engineering) Ltd (MAG(E)) modification 350-1521 or 350-1680; Installation of Camera platform.

Requirement: 1. Inspect helicopters which have MAG(E) modification 350-1521 or 350-1680 installed for continued short term acceptability in accordance with paragraph 2A of MAG(E) SB-A25-001. Platform panels bearing part number 350-1521-103, which do not have the specified clearance, must be removed from service immediately.

2.         Panels with part number 350-1521-103 held in store or those which have been removed in accordance with Requirement 1 must be modified in accordance with the Instructions specified in paragraph 2 of MAG(E) SB-A25-001.

3.         For panels inspected in accordance with Requirement 1 that have remained installed, modify panel part number 350-1521-103 in accordance with the Instructions specified in paragraph 2 of MAG(E) SB-A25-001.

Note: UK CAA AD G-2003-0008 refers.

Compliance: 1. Before further flight after 1 October 2003.

2.         Before next installation or within 30 days after 1 October 2003, whichever occurs first.

3.        Within 30 days after 1 October 2003.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 1 October 2003.

Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters

AD/AS 355/74 (continued)

Background: The camera system manufacturer received a report of inadequate clearance between the Mounting Panel cut-outs and the primary controls. Such inadequate clearance could result in restriction or jamming of the pedals or cyclic control.

David Villiers

Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 25 September 2003

The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 1 October 2003.