Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17988 · Rotorcraft tail boom
Airbus Helicopters, Inc. (Previously Eurocopter France) Helicopters
This AD applies to Model EC130B4 helicopters that do not have Modification (MOD) 073880 incorporated, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2012-02-13 for certain Airbus Helicopters, Inc. (Airbus Helicopters) Model EC130B4 helicopters. AD 2012-02-13 required inspecting certain areas of the tailboom/Fenestron junction frame (junction frame) for a crack. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2012-02-13, expands the inspection area of the junction frame, and reduces the repetitive inspection interval. These actions are intended to detect a crack in the junction frame, which could result in detachment of the Fenestron 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 it has already been accomplished prior to that time.
(1) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS):
(i) Inspect the right-hand side of the junction frame for cracks in the web from the inside as depicted in Details C and D of Figure 2 of Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 53A019, Revision 1, dated April 15, 2014 (EASB).
(ii) Strip the paint around the entire circumference of the junction frame as depicted in Detail E of Figure 3 of the EASB. Apply a coat of primer to the stripped area. Apply varnish to the stripped area.
(iii) Inspect the stripped area of the frame for cracks from the outside.
(2) Thereafter at intervals not to exceed 40 hours TIS, inspect the frame by following the inspection requirements of paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (f)(1)(iii) of this AD.
(3) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the junction frame with an airworthy junction frame.
(4) Do not install a tailboom that does not incorporate MOD 073880 on any helicopter.
