Eurocopter AS350BA Emergency Floats SAIB SW-09-49

FAA Aircraft Certification Service
SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS INFORMATION BULLETIN
SAIB: SW-09-49
SUBJ: Eurocopter AS350BA Emergency Floats
Date: September 1, 2009
This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.
Introduction
This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) alerts owners and operators of Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) model helicopters of the potential of having the incorrect emergency float system installed on a helicopter that has been converted to a Model AS350BA.
Background
Eurocopter has issued Service Bulletins that allow either a Model AS350B or AS350D to be converted to a Model AS350BA. This conversion increases the maximum gross weight from 4,300 lbs. to 4,630 lbs. There is concern that some operators may have converted their aircraft to the Model AS350BA, which has a higher gross weight, and did not change the emergency float system.

SAIB Attached