{"id":"F2006B09392","name":"AD/ECUREUIL/89 Amdt 1 - Battery Lug Connection","slug":"ad-ecureuil-89-amdt-1-battery-lug-connection","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":53724,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B09392-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/ECUREUIL/89 Amdt 1 - Battery Lug Connection","content":"COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998), PART 39 \\- 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY\n\nSCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES\n\n![](image.001.png)  \n\nAIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE\n\n![](image.001.png)\n\nFor the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/ECUREUIL/89 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (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.\n\n![](image.001.png)  \n\nEurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters\n\nAD/ECUREUIL/89\n\nAmdt 1\n\n  \nBattery Lug Connection 8/2004\n\nApplicability: AS 350 helicopters, versions B, BA, BB, B1, B2, B3 and D pre modification 073226 (Eurocopter Service Bulletin (SB) AS350 24.00.11).\n\nRequirement: Inspect the battery lug connection/angled plate assembly installation and electrical sheathing in accordance with paragraph 2.B of either Eurocopter AS 350 Alert Telex\n\n24.00.10 or Eurocopter Alert SB AS350 24.00.10.\n\nNote: DGAC AD F-2003-260 R1 refers.\n\nCompliance: Before the next flight after the effective date of the original issue of this Directive and thereafter whenever a battery is removed/installed until Mod 073226 is accomplished in accordance with Eurocopter SB AS350 24.00.11.\n\nThis Amendment becomes effective on 5 August 2004.\n\nBackground: The original issue of this Directive required the inspection of the battery lug connect/angled plate assembly and the protecting sheath to ensure correct assembly and/or damage. Incorrect assembly can cause a short circuit and complete loss of both the electrical power generating system together with battery power.\n\nThis Amendment provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections and records the conversion of the alert telex to an alert service bulletin.\n\nThe original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 10 July 2003.\n\n![Signature of James Coyne, Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.](image.002.png)  \n\nJames Coyne\n\nDelegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 23 June 2004\n\n![](image.001.png)\n\nThe above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 14 July 2004.\n\n  \n\nPage 1 of 1","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This amendment remains tightly focused on the original purpose: ensuring safe battery connections in specific Eurocopter helicopter models. The amendment adds an optional terminating action (permanent fix) and updates document references, but does not expand the scope beyond the original safety concern."},"complexity_factors":["Single page document with straightforward structure (Applicability, Requirement, Compliance, Background)","Only 1 defined term implicitly referenced (Mod 073226, explained in context)","No nested conditional logic — simple 'if X then Y' structure","Minimal cross-referencing (only references to specific Eurocopter service bulletins and one French aviation authority AD)","Clear compliance deadline ('before next flight') with simple repetitive trigger ('whenever battery removed/installed')","Single exception/terminating condition clearly stated (accomplishment of Mod 073226)"],"plain_english_summary":"This CASA safety order targets Eurocopter/AS350 (Ecureuil) B, BA, BB, B1, B2, B3 and D helicopters without factory Mod 073226, requiring inspections of the battery lug connection and protective covering to detect damage or incorrect assembly. The checks (before next flight and whenever a battery is removed/installed) guard against short circuits that can cause total electrical failure. Amendment 1 adds an optional permanent fix (terminating action) and updates the manufacturer notice reference."},"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"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This amendment does not materially broaden the AD's scope. It retains the original applicability and inspection requirement but records the conversion of the manufacturer’s Alert Telex into an Alert Service Bulletin and adds an optional terminating action (Mod 073226) for the repetitive inspections. That is a refinement that reduces long-term compliance burden for operators who elect the modification rather than an expansion beyond the AD's original safety focus."},"complexity_factors":["Short, single-subject AD focused on one aircraft system (battery lug connection)","Few defined terms; primary cross-references to Eurocopter Alert Telex 24.00.10 and Alert SB AS350 24.00.10 and SB AS350 24.00.11","One main conditional rule: inspections required until Mod 073226 is accomplished","Amendment adds optional terminating action and notes conversion of Telex to SB (minor layering of update)","Minimal nested exceptions or multi-stage compliance windows"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this directive does (mechanics)**\n\n- This Airworthiness Directive (AD) applies to Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) helicopters, versions B, BA, BB, B1, B2, B3 and D that have not had modification 073226 installed (see \"Applicability\").\n- It requires inspection of the battery lug connection / angled plate assembly and the electrical protecting sheath in the locations identified by Eurocopter (see \"Requirement\"). The inspections must follow paragraph 2.B of either the Eurocopter Alert Telex 24.00.10 or Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (SB) AS350 24.00.10.\n- Inspections must be done before the next flight after the original AD became effective and thereafter each time a battery is removed or installed, until the terminating modification (Mod 073226, implemented using Eurocopter SB AS350 24.00.11) is accomplished (see \"Compliance\").\n- The Amendment (Amdt 1) adds an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections and notes that the Alert Telex has been converted into an Alert Service Bulletin (see \"Background\").\n\n**Who this affects**\n\n- Aircraft owners and operators of the specified AS 350 helicopter variants that have not had Mod 073226 installed.\n- Maintenance organisations and licensed engineers who perform battery removal/installation and the mandated inspections.\n- The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) delegate enforces the requirement and accepts compliance when actions follow the referenced Eurocopter documents.\n\n**Why it matters (stated rationale and mechanical effect)**n\n- The stated safety concern is that an incorrect assembly or damaged protecting sheath at the battery lug connection can cause a short circuit leading to loss of the helicopter's electrical power generation system and battery power (\"Background\").\n- The inspections are intended to find incorrect assembly or damage so that maintenance can correct it before electrical failure occurs.\n\n**Who pays and who decides**\n\n- Aircraft owners/operators bear the direct costs: the labour and downtime for inspections, any repairs or parts if faults are found, and the one-time cost to implement Mod 073226 if they choose the terminating action.\n- CASA (through its delegate) mandates the action; Eurocopter provides the technical inspection and modification instructions in the referenced Telex/SB documents.\n\n**Practical implications, incentives and trade-offs**\n\n- Compliance burden: Operators must inspect the battery lug area before the next flight after the original AD and each time the battery is removed/installed until Mod 073226 is done. That creates recurring inspection labour and recordkeeping costs.\n- Optional terminating action: Installing Mod 073226 (using SB AS350 24.00.11) stops the need for repetitive inspections. That creates a clear trade-off: pay once for modification to avoid ongoing inspection costs and operational inconvenience.\n- Opportunity costs and downtime: Inspections create short delays whenever batteries are removed/installed; modification requires scheduled maintenance time and parts.\n- Implementation risk: If inspections or repairs are missed or performed incorrectly, the unsafe condition (risk of short circuit and electrical loss) remains. Conversely, following the Eurocopter instructions and performing the terminating modification eliminates the repetitive inspection requirement.\n- Bureaucratic discretion: CASA prescribes the requirement and accepts the Eurocopter methods as compliant. The AD cross-references Eurocopter technical material (Alert Telex / Service Bulletin), so operators must follow those manufacturer procedures to meet the AD.\n- Effects on private choice and competition: The AD imposes a technical compliance cost on affected AS 350 operators regardless of operator size; the terminating action is optional but effectively incentivises operators to choose the manufacturer-specified modification to remove the recurring inspection burden.\n\n**Implementation details to note**\n\n- The inspection method and acceptance criteria are not reproduced in the AD; operators must use the referenced Eurocopter Alert Telex 24.00.10 or Alert SB AS350 24.00.10 and SB AS350 24.00.11 for the terminating modification.\n- The AD records that the Alert Telex was converted to an Alert Service Bulletin (use the SB text where applicable).\n\n(References in this summary to \"Applicability\", \"Requirement\", \"Compliance\" and \"Background\" are taken from the AD text.)"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-ecureuil-89-amdt-1-battery-lug-connection","history":"/api/acts/ad-ecureuil-89-amdt-1-battery-lug-connection/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-ecureuil-89-amdt-1-battery-lug-connection/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-ecureuil-89-amdt-1-battery-lug-connection/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-ecureuil-89-amdt-1-battery-lug-connection/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-ecureuil-89-amdt-1-battery-lug-connection/documents"}}