AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

CAA-AD-T-072/2002

Date of issue: July 09, 2002

HELICOPTER - SLIDING DOOR (ATA 05, 52) - INSPECTION

Applicability: AS 355 helicopters, versions E, F, F1, F2 and N fitted with sliding doors.

Effective date: Upon receipt.

Compliance: Required as indicated in DGAC AD 2002-345-070(A).

Remarks: The compliance of this AD must be recorded in Aircraft Logbook, where applicable the requirements of this AD must be integrated into Aircraft Technical Documentation. Address inquiries concerning this AD to: Civil Aviation Authority, Airworthiness Division, Ruzyne Airport, 160 08 Prague 6, Czech Republic, tel.: 420 2 33320922, fax: 420 2 20562270.

Ing. Pavel MATOUŠEK

Director of Airworthiness Division

CAA CZ

DGAC AD No. 2002-345-070(A)

EUROCOPTER

AS 355 helicopters

Sliding door - Wear on rollers and rails (ATA 05, 52)

1. EFFECTIVITY

AS 355 helicopters, versions E, F, F1, F2 and N fitted with sliding doors.

2. REASON

This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued following a report of sliding door aft roller dislodgment in flight due to severe wear on the rail. If this deficiency is not corrected, it could lead to the loss of the sliding door in flight.

Note: This AD is intended for maintenance personnel and crews.

3. MANDATORY ACTIONS AND COMPLIANCE TIME

3.1 Before the next flight after the effective date of this AD, then at intervals not exceeding 100 flight hours, check the diameter of the roller and the dimension of the front end opening of the middle rail, in compliance with the instructions described in paragraph 2.B.1 of referenced EUROCOPTER AS 355 Alert Telex No. 05.00.39.

3.2 According to the criterion (c) defined in paragraph 2.B.1 of referenced Alert Telex, take the following actions in compliance with paragraph 2.B.2 of referenced Alert Telex:

- (c) ³ 5 mm: Door opening operation in flight is permitted.

- (c) < 5 mm: Door opening operation in flight is prohibited. A placard specifying this restriction is to be affixed to the instrument panel of the helicopter.

3.3 Before installation on aircraft of a sliding door held as spares, take the actions described in above paragraphs 3.1 and 3.2.

REF.: EUROCOPTER AS 355 Alert Telex No. 05.00.39.

EFFECTIVE DATE: On receipt from JUNE 26, 2002