Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16265 · Eurocopter France (ECF) Model EC120B Helicopters
Eurocopter France (ECF) Model EC120B Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2025-05-12. Comply with the one in force.
Model EC120B helicopters, with a main rotor head with a rotor hub, part number (P/N) C622A1002103, C622A1002104, or C622A1002105, installed, certificated in any category.
This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-05-51, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of ECF Model EC120B helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires, at specified intervals, inspecting the main rotor head rotor hub (rotor hub) for a crack. If you find scoring, paint flaking or left-over identification plate adhesive, the AD requires sanding the area until the primer coat becomes visible and inspecting the rotor hub for a crack. If you find a crack, the AD requires, before further flight, replacing the rotor hub with an airworthy rotor hub. This amendment is prompted by a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. The MCAI AD states that ECF has been informed of an emergency landing due to excessive vibrations originating from the main rotor. After an investigation, it was determined that the main rotor head rotor hub (rotor hub) had failed in the attachment area of one of the three drag damper fittings. The actions specified by the AD are intended to prevent failure of a hub, excessive vibrations, loss of a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Required as indicated.
To prevent failure of a main rotor hub, excessive vibrations, loss of a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, do the following:
(a) Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless done previously, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS, inspect the rotor hub for a crack in the areas depicted in Figures 1 and 2, areas “A1” and “A2,” of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A012, Revision 1, dated February 19, 2010 (EASB). If the identification plate “b” depicted in Figure 2 of the EASB is in the inspection areas “A1” or “A2,” remove the plate and clean the area where the identification plate information will be marked “B,” by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2.a., of the EASB.
(1) If you find scoring, paint flaking, or left-over identification plate adhesive, sand the area using No. 600-grit (fine grit) abrasive paper until the primer coat becomes visible and inspect the rotor hub for a crack.
(2) If you find a crack, before further flight, replace the rotor hub with an airworthy rotor hub.
(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 Manager, Safety Management Group, ATTN: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Gary Roach, ASW-111, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5130, fax (817) 222-5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(c) Special flight permits will not be issued.
(d) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 6220: Main Rotor Head.
(e) The inspections shall be done by following the specified portions of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A012, Revision 1, dated February 19, 2010. The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75053-4005, telephone (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3710, or at http://www.eurocopter.com. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on May 14, 2010, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by EAD 2010-05-51, issued February 24, 2010, which contained the requirements of this amendment.
Note: The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency AD No. 2010-0026-E, dated February 19, 2010.
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.
