All Airbus Helicopters AS 350 and AS 355 series.
The CAA has received a report of an incident where the co-pilot cyclic control stick on an AS 350 helicopter was inadvertently installed incorrectly (180 degrees out). The incorrectly installed copilot cyclic control was not identified until the aircraft had completed two maintenance check flights.
The affected aircraft was undergoing maintenance at the time the cyclic control was installed, and it appears that although the necessary duplicate inspections of the control system were carried out, the incorrectly installed cyclic control was not identified. The aircraft went on to complete two track and balance flights with two different pilots, before a third pilot identified that the co-pilot cyclic control stick was incorrectly installed.
AS 350 Service Bulletin (SB) No 67.15 Correct Positioning of the Copilot’s Cyclic Stick and AS 355 Service Bulletin (SB) No 67.11 Correct Positioning of the Copilot’s Cyclic Stick, both dated July 1989, introduced a modification to the cyclic stick to prevent incorrect installation.
These SBs are not the subject of an Airworthiness Directive but are considered mandatory by the manufacturer.
Operators and maintenance providers are reminded of the importance of thoroughly completing the necessary duplicate safety inspections ensuring correct assembly and function. Where necessary, reference should be made to the relevant Instructions for Continued Airworthiness.
Operators are also reminded of the value of assessing manufacturers service information and establishing the configuration of an aircraft when inducting into their fleet.
Continuing Airworthiness Notice – 05-002 Service Bulletin Compliance, provides guidance for aircraft operators and maintenance engineers regarding the assessment of and their decision as to whether they need to comply with manufacturer’s service information.
