AD 2008-03-07 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Model AS 332 L2 Helicopters

This AD applies to Eurocopter Model AS 332 L2, with Life Raft, part number (P/N) 00051047 or P/N 00051048, that has a Life Raft Inflation Cylinder, P/N 41918001, installed, certificated in any category. Reason (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: A borescope inspection during scheduled maintenance revealed wear on the internal skin of a Life Raft Inflation Cylinder, P/N 41918001, that had been installed on a Eurocopter AS 332 L2 helicopter. The plunger tube end is fitted with a metal end-fitting that presses against the internal surface of the cylinder due to its installation horizontally aboard the aircraft. Vibrations generated by helicopter operation are therefore causing such wear, which may result in a drop of internal pressure of the cylinder. This internal damage, if not corrected, could lead to functional failure of the cylinder, making the life raft inflation no longer possible. Pending the development of a modification to the inflation cylinder, this AD requires identification of all affected cylinders and the removal from service of those that have accumulated 2,500 Flight Hours (FH) or more since installation or since overhaul.

Unless already done, do the following actions. (1) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, remove each life raft inflation cylinder, P/N 41918001, that has accumulated or exceeded 2,500 hours TIS since first installation or since last overhaul, whichever is later, in accordance with Appendix 1, paragraph 3.1., of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.00.71, dated July 31, 2007 (ASB), and replace it with an airworthy cylinder in accordance with Appendix 1, paragraph 3.2 of the ASB. (2) After the effective date of this AD, no person shall install a life raft inflation cylinder, P/N 41918001, on a helicopter, if that cylinder has accumulated or exceeded 2,500 hours TIS since first installation or since last overhaul, or if it is older than 3 years since manufacture and has never been overhauled. Differences Between the FAA AD and the MCAI (f) This AD does not apply to Model EC 225 LP helicopters as does the MCAI because that model helicopter is not type certificated in the United States. Additionally, we have changed “flight hours” to “hours time-in-service.” We also clarified the applicable paragraphs from the ASB in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.

Unless already done, do the following actions. (1) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, remove each life raft inflation cylinder, P/N 41918001, that has accumulated or exceeded 2,500 hours TIS since first installation or since last overhaul, whichever is later, in accordance with Appendix 1, paragraph 3.1., of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.00.71, dated July 31, 2007 (ASB), and replace it with an airworthy cylinder in accordance with Appendix 1, paragraph 3.2 of the ASB. (2) After the effective date of this AD, no person shall install a life raft inflation cylinder, P/N 41918001, on a helicopter, if that cylinder has accumulated or exceeded 2,500 hours TIS since first installation or since last overhaul, or if it is older than 3 years since manufacture and has never been overhauled. Differences Between the FAA AD and the MCAI (f) This AD does not apply to Model EC 225 LP helicopters as does the MCAI because that model helicopter is not type certificated in the United States. Additionally, we have changed “flight hours” to “hours time-in-service.” We also clarified the applicable paragraphs from the ASB in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.