Eurocopter Deutschland EC135 SAIB SW-09-26

FAA Aircraft Certification Service
SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS INFORMATION BULLETIN
SAIB: SW-09-26
SUBJ: Operation with Emergency Flotation System ARMED Date: May 7, 2009
This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction
This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) is for owners or operators of Eurocopter
Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Model EC 135 helicopters equipped with an emergency flotation system.
This SAIB is issued to remind you to follow the procedures in the applicable Flight Manual
Supplement when the (optional) emergency flotation system is set to ARMED. These procedures
should be followed to avoid unintentional release of the system during flight. This is for information purposes only and recommendations for corrective action are not mandatory.

Background
There has been a reported incident in flight, under an altitude of 300 feet and a speed of 70 knots, where the pilot armed the “EMER FLOAT” switch. A loud noise was heard and the floats inflated within two seconds.

Recommendations
ECD has issued Alert Service Information (ASI) EC135-A108 Revision 01 dated April 21, 2009.
This ASI reiterates that when the emergency flotation system is installed and operative with the
EMER FLOAT switch set to position “ARM”, a maximum airspeed of 80 knots must not be
exceeded in accordance with the EC 135 Flight Manual Supplement FMS 9.2-67. The ASI also
states that incorrect securing of switch “FILL FLOATS” and its protective cap at the collective lever on the ground might, under unfavorable circumstances, cause an unintentional release of the emergency floatation system during flight.

For Further Information Contact
Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, Federal Aviation Administration, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Regulations Group, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-5961.
For Related Service Information Contact
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053-4005, phone
(972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527.