AD/S-PUMA/74 - Outer Skin, Butt Strap & Frame 5295 (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/74 Outer Skin, Butt Strap & Frame 5295 4/2008 TX

Applicability: Model AS 332 C, AS 332 C1, AS 332 L and AS 332 L1 helicopters, all serial numbers, except helicopters which have been modified in accordance with MOD 0722907, and helicopter serial numbers 2078 and 2102. Requirement: 1. Check visually for cracks on the outer skin and the butt strap in the sliding cowling right hand and left hand rail attachment areas on frame 5295, in accordance with paragraph 2.B.1 of Eurocopter AS 332 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 05.00.76 original issue, or later EASA approved revision.

2. If a crack is detected in the outer skin and/or the butt strap, before further flight, check further for cracks in frame 5295, in accordance with paragraph 2.B.2 of Eurocopter AS 332 ASB No. 05.00.76 original issue, or later EASA approved revision; and,

a. If no cracking is detected in frame 5295 in the area specified in the Requirement document, pending embodiment of an approved repair of the fuselage skin, repeat the frame 5295 inspection in accordance with paragraph 2.B.2 of Eurocopter AS 332 ASB No. 05.00.76 original issue, or later EASA approved revision, and following embodiment of that approved skin repair, resume the Requirement 1 inspection; or,