{"id":"F2008L01895","name":"AD/S-PUMA/77 - CPI 503 Crash Position Indicator Components","slug":"ad-s-puma-77-cpi-503-crash-position-indicator-components","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":74123,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2008L01895-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Eurocopter AS 332 (Super Puma) Series He","sectionType":"division","heading":"Eurocopter AS 332 (Super Puma) Series Helicopters","content":"### Eurocopter AS 332 (Super Puma) Series Helicopters\n\n| AD/S-PUMA/77 | CPI 503 Crash Position Indicator Components | 8/2008 TX |\n| ------------ | ------------------------------------------- | --------- |\n\n| Applicability: | AS 332 L1 and AS332 L2 helicopters, all serial numbers, if equipped with CPI 503 Crash Position Indicator (CPI) beacon components, as listed in paragraph 1.A of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) AS332 No. 25.01.97, dated 26 May 2008, or later revision approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and fitted with either removable or fixed parts of hoist and sling installations. |\n| -------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |\n| Requirement: | 1. For helicopters fitted with a hoist or a sling (ie the removable parts of the hoist or the sling installations) - Identify the affected CPI beacon components, as listed by serial number in paragraph 1.A of Eurocopter ASB AS332 No. 25.01.97 or later revision approved by the EASA (the referenced Eurocopter ASB), whose serial numbers are not followed by a letter “C”, and measure the bonding of affected CPI Beacon components in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 2.B.2 of the referenced Eurocopter ASB. |\n| | Note 1: H.R. Smith Service Bulletin (SB) HRS170407-2, dated 20 March 2007, is attached as Appendix 1 to the referenced Eurocopter ASB and contains the detailed instructions to accomplish the bonding measurements. |\n| | 2. If the result of the Requirement 1 bonding measurement meets the criteria specified in paragraph 3 of H.R. Smith SB HRS170407-2, mark the letter “C” after the serial number of the checked CPI beacon components and no further action is required by this Directive. |\n| | 3. If the bonding measurement result does not meet the requirements specified in paragraph 3 of H.R. Smith SB HRS170407-2, accomplish the following actions: |\n| | a. Disengage the hoist circuit-breakers in accordance with paragraph 2.B.4.a of the referenced Eurocopter ASB or disengage the sling circuit-breakers in accordance with paragraph 2.B.4.b of the referenced Eurocopter ASB and install a placard in full view of the flight crew in accordance with paragraph 2.B.4.c of the referenced Eurocopter ASB. |\n| | b. Until replacement of the affected components with serviceable parts, operation of the hoist and the sling is PROHIBITED. |\n| | c. Replace the affected CPI beacon components with serviceable parts. |\n\n| | 4. For helicopters fitted only with fixed parts of hoist or sling installations as structural provisions - Identify the affected CPI beacon components, as listed by serial number in paragraph 1.A of the referenced Eurocopter ASB whose serial numbers are not followed by a letter “C”, and measure the bonding of affected CPI Beacon components in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 2.B.2 of the referenced Eurocopter ASB. |\n| ----------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |\n| | 5. If the result of the Requirement 4 bonding measurement meets the criteria specified in paragraph 3 of H.R. Smith SB HRS170407-2, mark the letter “C” after the serial number of the checked CPI beacon components and no further action is required by this Directive. |\n| | 6. If the Requirement 4 bonding measurement result does not meet the requirements specified in paragraph 3 of H.R. Smith SB HRS170407-2, replace the affected CPI beacon components with serviceable parts. |\n| | 7. Spare CPI beacon components, as listed by serial number in paragraph 1.A of the referenced Eurocopter ASB and which does not have its serial number marked with the letter “C”, may not be installed on any helicopter as replacement part, unless the electrical bonding of that component is checked to meet the criteria specified in paragraph 3 of H.R. Smith SB HRS170407-2 and the letter “C” is marked after the serial number of that component. |\n| | Note 2: EASA Emergency AD 2008-0096-E refers. |\n| Compliance: | For Requirement 1 - Within 15 hours time in service after the effective date of this Directive. |\n| | For Requirement 2 - Immediately following the Requirement 1 bonding measurement. |\n| | For Requirement 3.a. - Before the next flight following the Requirement 1 bonding measurement. |\n| | For Requirement 3.b. - Immediately following compliance with Requirement 3.a. |\n| | For Requirement 3.c. - Within three months after the effective date of this Directive. |\n| | For Requirement 4 - Prior to installation of the hoist or the sling (ie the removable part as applicable) or within 1 month, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this Directive. |\n| | For Requirement 5 - Immediately following the Requirement 4 bonding measurement. |\n\n| | For Requirement 6 - Prior to installation of the hoist or the sling (ie removable part as applicable) or within 3 months, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this Directive. |\n| ----------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| | For Requirement 7 - After the effective date of this Directive. |\n| | This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 29 May 2008. |\n| Background: | Eurocopter has received several reports where the CPI 503 beacon deployed on the ground, without having been activated by the crew. Such CPI beacon deployments are due to insufficient electrical bonding between the components of the CPI beacon and the structure of the helicopter that makes the system sensitive to electro-magnetic interference.Uncontrolled CPI beacon deployment creates a risk of injury for persons on the ground and in particular during hoisting or sling operation where electrostatic discharges may occur when the cable makes contact with the ground.For the reasons described above, this Directive requires, only for those helicopters configured for hoisting or sling operations:- identification of the affected CPI 503 beacon components;- inspection of the affected components by measurement of their electrical bonding feature, and- replacement of any components that fail the bonding requirements. |\n\n![](image.001.png) \nJames Coyne \nDelegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority\n\n28 May 2008","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"AD/S-PUMA/77","sectionType":"part","heading":"AD/S-PUMA/77","content":"## AD/S-PUMA/77","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"CPI 503 Crash Position Indicator Compone","sectionType":"part","heading":"CPI 503 Crash Position Indicator Components","content":"## CPI 503 Crash Position Indicator Components","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"8/2008 TX","sectionType":"part","heading":"8/2008 TX","content":"## 8/2008 TX","sortOrder":3}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This Directive stays within the original safety‑focused scope: it remedies a specific airworthiness hazard (unintended CPI 503 deployments due to poor electrical bonding) on AS 332 L1/L2 helicopters used in hoist/sling operations. It does not widen to unrelated equipment, other helicopter types, or non‑safety economic regulation. The directive’s measures (inspection, marking, disabling, replacement, and spare‑part controls) are proportional to that stated hazard and do not expand the regulatory purpose beyond correcting the identified technical defect."},"complexity_factors":["7 distinct operative Requirements (1–7) with different actions depending on removable vs fixed installations","Cross‑references to Eurocopter ASB AS332 No. 25.01.97 (paragraph 1.A and para 2.B.2/2.B.4) and H.R. Smith SB HRS170407‑2 (acceptance criteria in para 3)","Multiple timing windows: within 15 hours TIS; immediately; before next flight; within 1 month; within 3 months; prior to installation — creates conditional compliance scheduling","Conditional operational prohibitions (disable circuit breakers, placard, prohibit operation) that must be implemented immediately when tests fail","Spare parts rule that prevents installation unless tested and marked — adds ongoing inventory control requirement","Dependence on later EASA‑approved revisions (Note 2) — external dependency increases procedural complexity"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this directive does (mechanically)**\n\n- Applies to Eurocopter AS 332 L1 and L2 helicopters of all serial numbers that are fitted with CPI 503 Crash Position Indicator (CPI) beacon components listed in paragraph 1.A of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) AS332 No. 25.01.97 (or an EASA‑approved later revision) and that have hoist or sling installations (either removable or only the fixed structural provisions).\n\n- Requires identification of the affected CPI 503 components by serial number (those not already marked with a trailing letter “C”) and measurement of their electrical bonding in accordance with the H.R. Smith Service Bulletin HRS170407‑2 (as reproduced in the Eurocopter ASB). (Requirement 1 and 4; Note 1)\n\n- If a component meets the bonding criteria in H.R. Smith SB paragraph 3, an inspector must mark the serial number with the letter “C” and no further action is required for that component. (Requirement 2 and 5)\n\n- If a component fails the bonding test: immediately disable the relevant hoist or sling circuit breakers, place a placard in full view of the flight crew (before the next flight), prohibit use of the hoist or sling until the defective component is replaced, and replace the component with a serviceable part within three months (for removable installations). For fixed structural provisions that fail, replace the CPI components before installation or within three months (Requirement 3.a–c and 6).\n\n- Spare CPI components listed in paragraph 1.A that are not marked with “C” must not be installed as replacements unless they are first tested and marked as serviceable. (Requirement 7)\n\n- Key compliance times: initial inspection within 15 hours time in service; immediate marking or other immediate actions as described (various timings set out for before next flight, within 1 month, within 3 months, or prior to installation). The Directive’s effective date is 29 May 2008.\n\n\n**Who this affects**\n\n- Helicopter operators, maintenance organisations and engineers who operate or maintain Eurocopter AS 332 L1/L2 helicopters that carry CPI 503 beacon components and who perform hoisting or sling operations (or install/remove the removable hoist/sling parts).\n\n- Parts suppliers and stores managers: spare CPI 503 components that are not checked and marked may not be installed.\n\n\n**Why it matters (source claim and testing that claim against practical effects)**\n\n- The stated safety concern (source claim): unsolicited deployments of CPI 503 beacons occurred on the ground due to insufficient electrical bonding between beacon components and the airframe, making the CPI sensitive to electromagnetic interference. Uncontrolled beacon deployment risks injury on the ground and is especially hazardous during hoisting/sling operations because electrostatic discharges can occur when the cable contacts the ground. (Background)\n\n- How the Directive addresses that risk: by requiring a specific electrical bonding test, marking of passing components, immediate operational mitigations (disablement of hoist/sling and placarding) for failing items, and replacement of failed components. The rule thus removes deployment‑risk components from hoist/sling operational use until proven serviceable.\n\n\n**Costs, incentives and trade‑offs (practical consequences for operators and the market)**\n\n- Who pays: operators bear direct costs — labour to identify and test CPI parts (equipment and qualified personnel), downtime for grounding or disabling hoist/sling functions, and cost and lead time for replacement serviceable CPI components where failures are found (Requirements 1–3, 6–7).\n\n- Operational effect: disabling the hoist or sling (Requirement 3.a–b) removes or limits mission capability for tasks that require hoisting/sling work. That may necessitate mission re‑planning, use of alternative aircraft or subcontracting, and generates revenue or scheduling losses for operators who provide hoist services.\n\n- Compliance burden: the Directive cross‑references Eurocopter ASB AS332 No. 25.01.97 and H.R. Smith SB HRS170407‑2 for the test method and acceptance criteria (Note 1). Operators must have access to those documents and to any specified test equipment and trained personnel. Record‑keeping follows from marking (“C”) and removing/replacing parts.\n\n- Supply and logistics risk: if a significant number of components fail the bonding test, demand for serviceable CPI 503 components could exceed local supply, extending downtime. The restriction on installing untested spares (Requirement 7) concentrates demand for tested parts and raises inventory management costs for operators and suppliers.\n\n- Incentives and substitution: operators have an incentive to promptly test and mark spares to preserve operational flexibility. If replacement parts are scarce or costly, operators may remove hoist/sling capability from service for extended periods or seek alternative equipment or aircraft, which affects competition among service providers.\n\n- Concentrated benefits vs diffuse costs: the safety benefit is diffuse (reducing risk of accidental beacon deployment), while costs are concentrated on the affected operators and their customers (inspection, parts, potential mission cancellations). The Directive is prescriptive and leaves little discretion to operators other than following the specified test and replacement path.\n\n\n**Implementation and enforcement considerations**\n\n- The Directive depends on the Eurocopter ASB and the H.R. Smith SB for technical instructions and acceptance criteria; any later EASA‑approved revisions are incorporated by reference, so operators must monitor those documents for updates (Note 2 refers to EASA Emergency AD 2008‑0096‑E).\n\n- Timing constraints are tight in some cases (initial inspection within 15 hours TIS; hoist/sling disabled before next flight if a failure is found), creating potential immediate operational impacts.\n\n\n**Bottom line**\n\n- The Directive is narrowly targeted at a specific equipment failure mode (insufficient electrical bonding of CPI 503 components) on AS 332 L1/L2 helicopters that use hoists or slings. It requires testing, marking of passing parts, immediate mitigation for failing parts, and replacement of failed or untested spare parts before use. The principal effects are safety mitigation on one hand and inspection, replacement, and potential operational downtime costs for operators on the other."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This AD maintains its original narrow scope focused on CPI 503 beacon electrical bonding issues in Super Puma helicopters configured for hoisting/sling operations. The requirements remain tightly targeted at the specific safety defect identified in the background — accidental beacon deployment due to electromagnetic interference. No evidence of scope creep beyond the original airworthiness safety purpose."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple nested conditional requirements (Requirements 1-7 with interdependent compliance paths)","Heavy reliance on external documents: requires cross-referencing Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin AS332 No. 25.01.97 and H.R. Smith Service Bulletin HRS170407-2 for actual technical procedures","Dual applicability tracks: different requirements for helicopters with removable hoist/sling parts versus fixed structural provisions only","Serial number tracking requirement: operators must check specific serial numbers and apply letter \"C\" marking system","Cascading compliance deadlines: 7 separate compliance timeframes tied to different requirements and conditional outcomes","Incorporation by reference of EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) approved revisions, creating dynamic external dependency","Technical terminology requiring aviation maintenance knowledge (electrical bonding, circuit-breakers, time in service)"],"plain_english_summary":"This CASA Airworthiness Directive targets Eurocopter AS 332 L1/L2 Super Puma helicopters equipped for hoisting or sling operations that contain CPI 503 Crash Position Indicator beacon components. It addresses accidental ground activation caused by poor electrical bonding, which can injure personnel or cause electrostatic hazards during rescue lifts.\n\nOperators must identify affected beacons, perform bonding tests, mark compliant parts, and—if a part fails—disable hoist/sling use, warn crew, and replace the part within three months. Initial inspections are required within 15 flight hours or one month."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-s-puma-77-cpi-503-crash-position-indicator-components","history":"/api/acts/ad-s-puma-77-cpi-503-crash-position-indicator-components/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-s-puma-77-cpi-503-crash-position-indicator-components/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-s-puma-77-cpi-503-crash-position-indicator-components/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-s-puma-77-cpi-503-crash-position-indicator-components/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-s-puma-77-cpi-503-crash-position-indicator-components/documents"}}