Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21558 · Tail rotor blades
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters, certificated in any category, with a tail rotor blade (TRB), obtained by forging, part number 350A33-3002-02, 350A33-3002-03, 350A33-3002-04, or 350A33-3002-05 installed.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of cracks and geometrical non-conformities of the tail rotor blades (TRBs); all cracks initiated in the drain hole area at the blade root section. This AD requires cleaning affected parts, visual and dye penetrant inspections for cracks of affected parts, a dimensional inspection to verify conformity of affected parts, and corrective actions 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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0187, dated August 21, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0187).
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0187 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2020-0187 does not apply to this AD.
(3) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0187 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD does not include that requirement.
(4) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0187 specifies to return certain parts, this AD does not include that requirement.
(5) Where EASA AD 2020-0187 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0187 specifies to “contact customer support,” this AD does not include that requirement.
(7) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0187 specifies to measure using the Smartphone application, the PowerPoint method, or “Contacting customer support with a specific procedure,” those methods of measurement are not required by this AD.
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0187 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
