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 SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters
AD/DAUPHIN/75 Fire Protection - Engine Fire Extinguishers 1/2005
Applicability: SA 365 N and N1 and AS 365 N2 and N3 helicopters, all serial numbers, fitted with engine fire extinguishers part number (PN) 862780-00 pre-MOD 0726B22.
Requirement: 1. Weigh the engine fire extinguishers in compliance with the instructions specified in paragraph 2.B.2. of EUROCOPTER AS 365 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No.
05.00.46. or later DGAC approved revisions.
2. During the next proof test to be performed, take the actions described in paragraph 2.B.3. of the referenced ASB (corresponds to MOD 0726B22).
3. For engine fire extinguisher PN 862780-00 held as spares:
(a) Comply with the instructions specified in paragraph 2.B.2. of the referenced ASB.
(b) Comply with the instructions specified in paragraph 2.B.3. of the referenced ASB.
Note: DGAC AD F-2004-179 EASA reference No 2004-10844 dated 3 November 2004 refers.
Compliance: 1. Within 110 flying hours or 2 months from the effective date of this Directive, whichever occurs first, thereafter at intervals exceeding 6 months pending compliance with Requirement 2 of this Directive.
2. Within 5 years following manufacture or the last proof test.
3. (a) Before installation on the helicopter.
(b) During the next proof test to be performed, within 5 years following manufacture or the last proof test.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 20 January 2005.
Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters
AD/DAUPHIN/75 (continued)
Background: This Directive is in response a loss of weight discovered on fire extinguishers with similar technology, during weighing operations. The cases of loss of weight are due to leaks caused by corrosion under the welded identification plates.
James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 1 December 2004
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 22 December 2004.