Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13964 · Eurocopter France Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, C, D, D1, and EC130 B4 Helicopters
Eurocopter France Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, C, D, D1, and EC130 B4 Helicopters
Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, C, D, D1, and EC130 B4 helicopters, pre-MOD 073239, with fuel bleed lever, part number (P/N) 350A55104320, installed, certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, C, D, D1, and EC130 B4 helicopters that requires removing and modifying the fuel bleed lever. This amendment is prompted by some cases of loss of the fuel bleed lever in flight. If the tension of the control cable is too low, the cable may vibrate out of its notch, resulting in the fuel bleed lever separating from the hinge. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent a fuel bleed lever from separating and striking the tail rotor blade (blade), resulting in damage to or loss of a blade, and subsequent vibration and loss of control of the helicopter.
To prevent a fuel bleed lever from separating and striking the tail rotor blade (blade), resulting in damage to or loss of a blade, and subsequent vibration and loss of control of the helicopter, do the following:
(a) Remove and modify the fuel bleed lever, P/N 350A55104320, by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B., of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin Nos. 28A001 for the Model EC130 B4 and 28.00.16 for the Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, C, D, and D1 helicopters, both dated March 3, 2004, as applicable. Reinstall the modified fuel bleed lever and mark it with P/N 350A08254720.
(b) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Contact the Safety Management Group, FAA, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
Aircraft
