Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21443 · Main rotor system
Airbus Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2021-24-08. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters, certificated in any category, having an affected part as defined in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0139, dated June 12, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0139).
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of broken and bent attachment bolts of the main rotor (MR) hub scissors assembly. This AD requires an inspection of the attachment bolts of the MR hub scissors assembly for discrepancies and repair if necessary; part marking of the attachment bolts of the MR hub scissors assembly; and repetitive inspections of the part marking of the attachment bolts, and repair if necessary; as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2019-0139.
(1) Where EASA AD 2019-0139 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2019-0139 refers to September 5, 2018 (the effective date of EASA AD 2018-0186, dated August 29, 2018), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2019-0139 does not apply to this AD.
(4) Where EASA AD 2019-0139 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(5) Paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA AD 2019-0139 refer to “discrepancies.” For this AD, discrepancies include corrosion, fretting, wear, cracking, bolt play, and bolt tightening torque.
(6) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2019-0139 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD does not include that requirement.
(7) Where EASA AD 2019-0139 specifies to contact the manufacturer for repair instructions, repair using a method approved by the Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, FAA. For a repair method to be approved by the Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, as required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.
(8) Paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2019-0139 specifies to report inspection results to Airbus Helicopters within a certain compliance time. For this AD, report inspection results at the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(8)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
