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Atlas / SAIB / SW-09-26

FAA · SAIB · Safety Bulletin

Operation with Emergency Flotation System ARMED

SAIB SW-09-26 Current Issued 05/07/2009 Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH EC135 P1 | EC135 P2 | EC135 P2+ | EC135 T1 | EC135 T2 | EC135 T2+

What is a SAIB?

A Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin is an FAA-issued advisory — not mandatory like an AD, but worth knowing about. SAIBs typically flag service bulletins, manufacturer recommendations, or emerging issues that don't (yet) rise to AD level.

Bulletin text

Verbatim from the FAA-published PDF. 12 paragraphs · 294 words.

1

FAA Aircraft Certification Service SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS INFORMATION BULLETIN SAIB: SW-09-26 SUBJ: Operation with Emergency Flotation System ARMED Date: May 7, 2009 This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) is for owners or operators of Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Model EC 135 helicopters equipped with an emergency flotation system. This SAIB is issued to remind you to follow the procedures in the applicable Flight Manual Supplement when the (optional) emergency flotation system is set to ARMED. These procedures should be followed to avoid unintentional release of the system during flight. This is for information purposes only and recommendations for corrective action are not mandatory.

Background

There has been a reported incident in flight, under an altitude of 300 feet and a speed of 70 knots, where the pilot armed the “EMER FLOAT” switch. A loud noise was heard and the floats inflated within two seconds.

Recommendations

ECD has issued Alert Service Information (ASI) EC135-A108 Revision 01 dated April 21, 2009. This ASI reiterates that when the emergency flotation system is installed and operative with the EMER FLOAT switch set to position “ARM”, a maximum airspeed of 80 knots must not be exceeded in accordance with the EC 135 Flight Manual Supplement FMS 9.2-67. The ASI also states that incorrect securing of switch “FILL FLOATS” and its protective cap at the collective lever on the ground might, under unfavorable circumstances, cause an unintentional release of the emergency floatation system during flight.

For Further Information Contact

Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, Federal Aviation Administration, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations Group, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-5961.

For Related Service Information Contact

American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053-4005, phone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527.

The FAA-published PDF is the authoritative source. Open on drs.faa.gov ↗