Applicability: AS 332 L2 helicopters equipped with an optional type CPI 503 (Crash Position Indicator) emergency locator transmitter, fitted with an immersion sensor part number (P/N) 503-23 (704A 45737057).

Requirement: 1. Check that the battery is installed in the interface unit and electrically inhibit the immersion detection function in compliance with the instructions specified in paragraph 2 of Eurocopter AS332 Alert Telex 25.01.71.
2. Pending the availability of a technical solution to restore the inhibited function, insert a copy of this Directive in the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) in order to inform crews that the immersion detection function is ineffective in the event of forced ditching. The emergency locator transmitter beacon can still be released manually via the control unit and automatically in the event of a crash.

Note 1: Although the immersion detection function is electrically inhibited, the emergency locator transmitter beacon can be set to transmit manually via its control unit.
Note 2: DGAC AD F-2006-036 (EASA Approval 2006-0023) refers.

Compliance:

For Requirement 1 - Within 50 flying hours after the effective date of this Directive but no later than 6 March 2006.
For Requirement 2 - Concurrent with the Requirement 1 deactivation of the immersion detection function.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 6 February 2006.

Background: This Directive is issued following advice from the Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile (DGAC) of France that some cases of untimely deployment of the emergency locator transmitter beacon on AS 332 L2 helicopters had been reported. The analysis carried out by the manufacturer has revealed an anomaly on the immersion sensor, which can give rise to untimely deployment of the emergency locator transmitter beacon. Furthermore, some interface units may have been installed without a battery.

In addition to the loss of the emergency locator transmitter function, the dropping of the emergency locator transmitter beacon could be a danger to persons on the ground. Further rulemaking by the DGAC to correct the unsafe condition is expected.

FMI: www.casa.gov.au