{"id":"F2008L04641","name":"AD/ECUREUIL/100 Amdt 3 - Emergency Floatation Gear - All-up Operating Weight","slug":"ad-ecureuil-100-amdt-3-emergency-floatation-gear-all-up-operating-weight","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":120998,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2008L04641-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Heli","sectionType":"division","heading":"Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters","content":"### Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters\n\n| AD/ECUREUIL/100 Amdt 3 | Emergency Floatation Gear - All-up Operating Weight | 2/2009 DM |\n| ---------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | --------- |\n\n| Applicability: | Eurocopter AS350 B, BA and D helicopters, all serial numbers equipped with the emergency flotation gear installation. |\n| -------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |\n| Requirement: | Required as indicated unless already accomplished, in accordance with the instructions of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 01.00.59:1. For all applicable models, inspect the emergency flotation gear to verify its conformity with the approved configuration in accordance with paragraph 2.B.1. of the ASB.1.1. If the installation of the fixed and removable parts is not compliant and one of the two parts is limited to 1900 kg:1.1.1. Flights over water are authorized but the maximum permissible helicopter weight is limited to 1900 kg.1.1.2. Affix a label (A) to the cockpit instrument panel indicating the maximum permissible weight of the helicopter for flight over water in accordance with paragraph 2.B.2. of the ASB.1.2. For AS350 BA helicopters, if the installation of the fixed and removable parts is not compliant and none of the two parts is limited to 1900 kg:1.2.1. Flights over water are authorized but the maximum permissible helicopter weight is limited to 1950 kg.1.2.2. Affix a label (B) to the cockpit instrument panel indicating the maximum permissible weight of the helicopter for flight over water in accordance with paragraph 2.B.2. of the ASB.1.3. For all applicable models, if the installation of the fixed and removable parts is compliant:1.3.1. For helicopters equipped with a flotation gear limited to 1900 kg:- Flights over water are authorized but the maximum permissible helicopter weight is limited to 1900 kg. |\n| | - Affix a label (A) to the cockpit instrument panel indicating the maximum permissible weight of the helicopter for flight over water in accordance with paragraph 2.B.2. of the ASB.1.3.2. For helicopters equipped with a flotation gear limited to 1950 kg:- For AS350 B and D helicopters:- The maximum permissible weight of the helicopter for flight over water corresponds to the maximum permissible weight of the helicopter - refer to the Flight Manual to determine the maximum permissible weight of the helicopter.- For AS350 BA helicopters:- Flights over water are authorized but the maximum permissible helicopter weight is limited to 1950 kg.- Affix a label (B) to the cockpit instrument panel indicating the maximum permissible weight of the helicopter for flight over water in accordance with paragraph 2.B.2. of the ASB.1.3.3. For helicopters equipped with a flotation gear limited to 2600 kg:- The maximum permissible weight of the helicopter for flight over water corresponds to the maximum permissible weight of the helicopter - refer to the Flight Manual to determine the maximum permissible weight of the helicopter.2. For all applicable models, if the installation of the fixed and removable parts is non-compliant, return the emergency flotation gear to conformity:- By replacement of the non compliant removable part with another part which conforms with the fixed part, or- By replacement of the non compliant fixed part with another part which conforms with the removable part.3. No person shall install an emergency flotation gear on a helicopter, unless its conformity with the approved configuration has been previously verified in accordance with paragraph 2.B.1. of the ASB.Note: EASA AD 2008-0214-E refers. |\n\n| Compliance: | 1. Within 15 flying hours (FH) after the effective date of this Airworthiness Directive.2. No later than one year after the inspection carried out by Requirement 1.3. After the effective date of this Airworthiness Directive. |\n| ----------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| | This Amendment becomes effective on 11 December 2008. |\n| Background: | For AS 350 helicopters there are three emergency flotation gear types, all certified by Eurocopter. Such floatation gears are validated for maximum helicopter weights for flight over water of 1900 kg, 1950 kg or 2600 kg respectively. Each emergency flotation gear type includes a fixed part and a removable part. It is technically possible to mix the fixed and removable parts between these three types of emergency flotation gears. However, non compliant (mixed) installation of fixed and removable parts of the three different emergency flotation gear types may cause insufficient effectiveness on ditching and may lead to instability of the helicopter on the water in case of emergency. This Airworthiness Directive requires an inspection of the emergency flotation gear installation to verify the conformity of its fixed and removable parts.The original issue of this Directive, effective on 23 June 2004, was issued to limit the helicopter all-up weight to 1,950 kg, for all flights over water, for AS 350 BA helicopters equipped with Aerazur emergency floatation gear specified in the applicability part of this Directive.Amendment 1 allows operation at all-up weights greater than 1950 kg for operations over water where the underslung load is jettisonable or the helicopter is flown within autorotative gliding distance from land. The requirements of CAO 20.11 Section 5.3 “Helicopter Floatation Systems” still apply and are not affected by this Airworthiness Directive. There is no change to the compliance time in this amendment.Amendment 2 was issued to introduce the current EASA Airworthiness Directive related to this Directive, which clarified helicopter applicability; with no change to technical requirements.Amendment 3 expands the applicability to include B and D model aircraft and to limit the maximum weights for over water operations for all applicable aircraft depending on any incorrect combinations of equipment fitted. |\n\n![](image.001.png) \nDavid Villiers \nDelegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority\n\n9 December 2008","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"AD/ECUREUIL/100 Amdt 3","sectionType":"part","heading":"AD/ECUREUIL/100 Amdt 3","content":"## AD/ECUREUIL/100 Amdt 3","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"Emergency Floatation Gear - All-up Opera","sectionType":"part","heading":"Emergency Floatation Gear - All-up Operating Weight","content":"## Emergency Floatation Gear - All-up Operating Weight","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"2/2009 DM","sectionType":"part","heading":"2/2009 DM","content":"## 2/2009 DM","sortOrder":3}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"Amendment 3 expanded the AD's applicability to include AS350 B and D models (previously focused on BA) and refined the maximum permissible over-water all-up weights according to whether fixed and removable flotation parts are compliant or mixed. Earlier versions limited BA operations to 1950 kg and included other operational clarifications; this amendment broadens model coverage and ties weight limits to specific equipment combinations."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple helicopter models (AS350 B, BA, D) with different applicable outcomes","Three certified flotation-gear types with different validated weight limits (1900, 1950, 2600 kg) and the technical possibility of mixed (non-compliant) assemblies","Variable operational limits tied to specific combinations of fixed and removable parts rather than a single uniform rule","Inspection and conformity verification required per Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (paragraphs referenced), creating dependency on external technical instructions","Short initial compliance window (15 flying hours) followed by a one-year deadline for further corrective action, imposing scheduling pressure","Remedial options (replace fixed or removable part) introduce supply and maintenance cost uncertainty for operators","Labelling obligations (cockpit placards) and interaction with the Flight Manual for determining permissible weights","Interplay with other regulatory instruments (referenced EASA AD and CAO 20.11) that operators must track"],"plain_english_summary":"This Airworthiness Directive requires operators of Eurocopter AS350 B, BA and D helicopters fitted with emergency flotation gear to inspect that the fixed and removable flotation parts match the approved configuration. If parts are non-compliant, the AD limits maximum over-water all-up weight to 1900 or 1950 kg (depending on model/configuration) or requires replacement to restore conformity.\n\nOperators must complete inspection within 15 flying hours, affix cockpit weight labels, and bear costs of inspection, labels or replacement; flight crews must use the labelled weight limits and the Flight Manual where applicable."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The original 2004 directive applied only to AS 350 BA helicopters with Aerazur flotation gear, imposing a single 1950 kg weight limit. Amendment 1 added exceptions for jettisonable loads and autorotative gliding distance. Amendment 2 introduced EASA alignment. Amendment 3 (this version) significantly expanded scope to include B and D model helicopters and introduced a complex multi-tiered weight limit system (1900 kg, 1950 kg, and 2600 kg) depending on equipment configuration. The directive evolved from a simple weight restriction for one model to a comprehensive inspection and compliance regime across multiple models with conditional operational limitations."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple nested conditional branches (1.1, 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.2, 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.3, 1.3.1, 1.3.2, 1.3.3) creating a decision tree for different helicopter models and equipment configurations","Cross-reference to external technical document (Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin ASB No. 01.00.59) for detailed inspection procedures without reproducing those procedures in the directive itself","Three different weight thresholds (1900 kg, 1950 kg, 2600 kg) that interact differently across three helicopter models (B, BA, D)","Distinction between 'compliant' and 'non-compliant' installations with different operational restrictions for each scenario","Multiple compliance deadlines (15 flying hours, one year after inspection, and ongoing prohibition for new installations)","Reference to parallel European regulation (EASA AD 2008-0214-E) indicating harmonised international regulatory framework","Amendment history showing evolution of scope from original 2004 directive (BA model only, 1950 kg limit) to current broader applicability (B, BA, D models with multiple weight limits)"],"plain_english_summary":"This CASA Airworthiness Directive targets Eurocopter AS350 (B/BA/D) helicopters equipped with emergency flotation gear after discovery that fixed and removable flotation parts from differently rated sets (1900, 1950, 2600 kg) can be accidentally mixed, risking instability or sinking in a water landing. \n\nIt mandates inspection to confirm matched parts, cockpit placarding with the actual over-water weight limit, correction of any mismatches, and prohibits installing gear unless parts are verified as compatible."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-ecureuil-100-amdt-3-emergency-floatation-gear-all-up-operating-weight","history":"/api/acts/ad-ecureuil-100-amdt-3-emergency-floatation-gear-all-up-operating-weight/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-ecureuil-100-amdt-3-emergency-floatation-gear-all-up-operating-weight/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-ecureuil-100-amdt-3-emergency-floatation-gear-all-up-operating-weight/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-ecureuil-100-amdt-3-emergency-floatation-gear-all-up-operating-weight/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-ecureuil-100-amdt-3-emergency-floatation-gear-all-up-operating-weight/documents"}}