just arrived a alert from eurocopter i think its about the same problem steve
ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER – ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER – ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER
T.F.S. No. 00000265 dated September 15, 2005
EUROCOPTER – MARIGNANE – TLX 42506F
Page 1 of 5
ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER – ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER – ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER
A L E R T T E L E X
No. 25.12 AIRCRAFT: SA 341/342 Civil Version(s): G, J
Military Version(s): B, C, D, E, F, H,
K, L, L1, M, M1
SUBJECT: EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHINGS
Untimely Firing of Squibs on GOODRICH Electric Hoists
CAUTION
THE INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED IN THIS ALERT TELEX ARE
INTENDED FOR MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL AND CREWS
1. PLANNING INFORMATION
1.A. EFFECTIVITY
1.A.1. Helicopters/Installed equipment: Helicopters equipped with GOODRICH electric hoists
P/N 76370-XXX, not equipped with the AUXILEC motor.
NOTE
The motor manufacturer is indicated on the
identification plate of the motor.
1.A.2. Non-installed equipment: Not applicable.
1.B. ASSOCIATED REQUIREMENTS
Not applicable.
1.C. REASON
To prevent untimely firing of the squib on GOODRICH electric hoists.
ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER – ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER – ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER
T.F.S. No. 00000265 dated September 15, 2005
EUROCOPTER – MARIGNANE – TLX 42506F
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ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER – ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER – ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER
1.D. DESCRIPTION
EUROCOPTER has been informed of a case concerning a hoist squib which fired on an AS 355 F2
helicopter, during ground operation, without being triggered by the pilot or the hoist operator.
Following examination of the hoist, it was found that the motor brush power supply wiring was
grounded with the casing of the hoist motor.
This ground caused propagation of a leakage current to the squib firing components, which triggered
the untimely firing of the squib and the cutting of the cable.
The type of hoist installed on the AS 355 F2 is also installed on Gazelle helicopters. Contrary to
AS 355 F2 helicopters, the electrical system of Gazelle helicopters is fitted with a resistor capable of
absorbing the leakage current energy. This resistor reduces the risk of untimely hoist squib firing, but it
does not guarantee full effectiveness.
A modification is being studied in order to preclude any risk of untimely squib firing.
Consequently, as a precaution, and pending this modification, EUROCOPTER renders compliance
with this ALERT TELEX mandatory. It states that you must inhibit the squib function and use hand
shears approved by the regulatory authority.
1.E. COMPLIANCE
EUROCOPTER renders compliance with this ALERT TELEX mandatory.
1.E.1. Compliance at the works
1.E.1.a. On helicopters/installed equipment:
Not applicable.
1.E.1.b. Non-installed equipment:
Not applicable.
1.E.2. Compliance in operation: By the operator.
1.E.2.a. On helicopters/installed equipment:
On receipt of this ALERT TELEX, issued on the date indicated in the header, or before the next
hoisting operation, comply with paragraph 2.B.
Meanwhile, and as long as compliance is not ensured with paragraph 2.B., it is forbidden to carry
out hoisting operations with the GOODRICH electric hoists specified in paragraph 1.A.1.
1.E.2.b. Non-installed equipment:
Not applicable.
ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER – ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER – ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER
T.F.S. No. 00000265 dated September 15, 2005
EUROCOPTER – MARIGNANE – TLX 42506F
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ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER – ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER – ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER
1.F. MANPOWER
Qualification: 1 electrician, approximately 1 hour.
1.G. REFERENCES
Standard Practices Manual (MTC): Work Card 20.07.03.406.
2. ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS
2.A. GENERAL
Not applicable.
2.B. OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE
2.B.1. Installation of suitable cable cutting shears
Procure cable cutting shears and install them on board the helicopter (unless the helicopter is already
fitted with cable cutting shears). The cable cutting shears must be secured on board the helicopter,
and must be readily accessible by the operator (hoist operator), and must be capable of cutting the
hoist cable.
You must get an approval of this equipment and its installation from your local authorities.
2.B.2. Inhibition of the squib function
2.B.2.a. Operations to be carried out on the hoist (Figure 1 Details A and B)
Install the access equipment.
Cut off the electrical power supplies as per MTC Work Card 20.07.03.406.
Remove and save clamp (a) separately.
Disengage cover (b).
Untighten nut (c) and lock-nut (d).
Disconnect lug (e) from squib (f).
Isolate lug (e) with heat-shrink sheath.
Tighten nut (c) and lock-nut (d).
Insert isolated lug (e) in cover (b).
Coil and secure the cover (b) and isolated lug (e) assembly on conductor (g) using a cable tie.
Remove the access equipment.
ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER – ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER – ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER
T.F.S. No. 00000265 dated September 15, 2005
EUROCOPTER – MARIGNANE – TLX 42506F
Page 4 of 5
ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER – ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER – ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER
2.B.2.b. Operations to be performed in the cockpit and cabin
Produce two labels (red text on white background) with the following wording:
WARNING
ELECTRIC HOIST SQUIB CABLE CUTTER FUNCTION INHIBITED.
IF NECESSARY, CUT THE HOIST CABLE USING THE CABLE
CUTTING SHEARS LOCATED IN THE CABIN.
Position the labels in a visible manner: one on the instrument panel and one near the hoist operator.
2.C. IDENTIFICATION
Record compliance with this ALERT TELEX in the aircraft documents.
2.D. OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
2.D.1. Operating instructions
Before each hoisting operation, and at least:
- Make sure that the cable cutting shears are on board the helicopter and are accessible.
- Define a suitable operational procedure, considering that the hoist squib cable cutter function is not
available.
- Ensure a suitable method of communication between the crew members.
NOTE
EUROCOPTER recommends not to hoist persons
during hoisting training, as long as the hoist squib cable
cutter function is inhibited.
2.D.2. Maintenance instructions
Not applicable.
ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER – ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER – ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER
T.F.S. No. 00000265 dated September 15, 2005
EUROCOPTER – MARIGNANE – TLX 42506F
Page 5 of 5
ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER – ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER – ALERT TELEX – EUROCOPTER
Figure 1 Location of the squib