Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17409 · Window/windshield system
Eurocopter France Helicopters
This AD applies to Eurocopter France EC130B4 helicopters with center windscreen panel (center windscreen), part number (P/N) 350A25-9004-00, 350A25-9025-00, or 350A25-9041-20, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France EC130B4 helicopters. This AD requires visually checking the center windscreen panel (center windscreen) for a crack and replacing the center windscreen if there is a crack, if the windscreen distorts during flight, or within 12 months. This AD was prompted by in-flight cracking and failure of a center windscreen. The actions of this AD are intended to detect a crack in the blending radii of the center windscreen to prevent failure of the windscreen, injury to the flight crew, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless accomplished previously.
(1) Until the center windscreen is replaced with center windscreen P/N 350A25-9045-20, before each flight, visually check the center windscreen for a crack in the area of the blending radii where the front-lower part of the center windscreen joins the front fuselage as depicted in Figure 1 to paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. This visual check may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate, and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 43.9 (a)(1)-(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(2) If there is a crack or if a pilot indicates that the center windscreen distorted during flight, before further flight, replace the center windscreen with an airworthy center windscreen, P/N 350A25-9045-20, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.2.b. through 2.B.2.b.4., of Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 56-003, Revision 0, dated November 16, 2010.
(3) Within 12 months, replace the center windscreen with an airworthy center windscreen, P/N 350A25-9045-20, in accordance with the instructions contained in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD.
(4) Replacing the center windscreen with center windscreen, P/N 350A25-9045-20, constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
