Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16777 · Eurocopter France (ECF) Model EC120B Helicopters
Eurocopter France (ECF) Model EC120B Helicopters
Model EC120B helicopters, serial number (S/N) 1500, 1511 through 1630, 1632, 1634, and 1636, certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for ECF Model EC120B helicopters. This action requires inserting an emergency procedure appendix from an ECF Emergency Alert Service Bulletin into the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM). This action also requires modifying the emergency switch electrical wiring and performing tests to ensure correct operation of the emergency switch. This action also requires removing the emergency procedure appendix from the RFM after modifying the emergency switch electrical wiring and performing tests to ensure correct operation. This amendment is prompted by the discovery that simultaneously setting the emergency switch to the low position "CUT-OFF" and the generator (GENE) pushbutton to "OFF" position caused the starter-generator to restart. Investigation revealed that cross-wiring at the emergency switch caused this malfunction. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to the inability to isolate electrical equipment during an emergency, creating the risk of an uncontrolled electrical fire and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
To prevent nonisolation of electrical equipment creating the risk of an uncontrolled electrical fire, do the following:
(a) Before further flight, insert the “Appendix” from the Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 24A012, dated April 22, 2010 (EASB), paragraph 3.5., “SMOKE IN THE COCKPIT/CARGO,” into the Emergency Procedure section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM). After complying with paragraph (b) of this AD, remove the Appendix from the RFM.
(b) Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 30 days, whichever occurs first, modify the emergency switch electrical wiring by reversing the wires as depicted in Figure 2 and by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.1 through 2.B.3, of the EASB. Ground test the modified electrical wiring by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.4, of the EASB.
(c) Modifying the emergency switch wiring, obtaining successful ground test results indicating proper operation of the emergency switch, and removing the RFM emergency procedure inserted in complying with paragraph (a) of this AD constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
(d) 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: George Schwab, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone: (817-222-5114); fax: 817-222-5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(e) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 2497: Electrical Power System Wiring.
(f) Modify the electrical wiring and perform the ground tests by following specified portions of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 24A012, dated April 22, 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.
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.
