Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21358 · Rotorcraft flight control
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135T1, EC135P2, EC135T2, EC135P2+, EC135T2+, EC135P3, and EC135T3 helicopters, certificated in any category, all serial numbers.
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-26-51 which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135 helicopters. AD 2007-26-51 required inspecting the tail rotor control rod (control rod) and ball pivot and, depending on findings, replacing those parts. This new AD requires inspecting certain ball pivots, applying corrosion preventative compound on the ball pivot, and corrective action, as applicable. This AD also requires replacing the control rod with a newly developed control rod. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer's development of a new control rod, which the FAA has determined must be installed in order to address the identified unsafe condition. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.
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) Group 1: Helicopters that, on the effective date of this AD, have a tail rotor control rod installed having part number (P/N) L672M2005207.
(2) Group 2: Helicopters that, on the effective date of this AD, do not have a tail rotor control rod installed having P/N L672M2005207.
Within 50 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD: Inspect the ball pivot, P/N 92-201-00 and P/N 92-207-00, for damage and freedom of movement, in accordance with step 3.C.(3) or step 3.D.(3), as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the Appendix (watermarked as Appendix to SB EC135-67A-017 Revision 4) to Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB EC135-67A-017, Revision 4, dated April 3, 2017. For purposes of this inspection, damage to the ball pivot may be indicated by cracks, missing hardware, loose bearings, or play.
If, during the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, there is any damage on any ball pivot or the ball pivot cannot be moved: Before further flight, replace the ball pivot in accordance with step 3.C.(3) or step 3.D.(3), as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the Appendix (watermarked as Appendix to SB EC135-67A-017 Revision 4) to Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB EC135-67A-017, Revision 4, dated April 3, 2017, and the tail rotor control rod as required by paragraph (j) of this AD.
Group 1: Unless already done as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, within 50 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, replace the tail rotor control rod having P/N L672M2005207 with a tail rotor control rod having P/N L672M2006101.
Note 1 to paragraph (j): Guidance for replacing the tail rotor control rod can be found in Eurocopter Service Bulletin EC135-67-018, Revision 01, dated May 15, 2008.
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.
