Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17319 · -13-p
Eurocopter France Helicopters
This AD applies to Model AS350B3 and EC130B4 helicopters with an Aircraft Parts Corporation 200-ampere (amp) starter generator, part number 200SGL130Q, installed, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS350B3 and EC130B4 helicopters. This AD requires revising the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to reduce the starter generator operating current to 180 amperes (amps) and installing a placard in the instrument panel indicating the revised limitation. This AD was prompted by the determination that the manufacturer-installed Aircraft Parts Corporation (APC) starter generator has exceeded the shaft horse power extractions allowed for Turbomeca engines. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent the engine surge margin being reduced, which can result in engine failure.
You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time.
Within the next 100 hours time-in-service:
(1) Revise Paragraph 2, Limitations, of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement 29 to reduce the maximum current of the starter generator to 180 amps Max. continuous.
(2) Install a placard, 125 millimeters long by 10 millimeters wide, on the instrument panel below the vehicle engine multifunction display indicating the starter generator reduced limitation: “MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS GENERATOR LOAD = 180A.”
