Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21672 · Tail rotor blades
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters, certificated in any category, with any of the tail rotor blade (TRB) part numbers specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (5) of this AD installed.
(1) Part number (P/N) L642A2002101.
(2) P/N L642A2002103.
(3) P/N L642A2002104.
(4) P/N L642A2002111.
(5) P/N L642A2002112.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report that geometrical non-conformities were found in the root section of the tail rotor blade (TRB). This AD requires a one-time inspection (dimensional check) of the TRB for conformity and, depending on the findings, replacement of certain affected parts, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also prohibits rework, repair, or modification of affected parts in the affected area of the TRB assembly root. 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 2020-0282, dated December 17, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0282).
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0282 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2020-0282 does not apply to this AD.
(3) Where the service information referred to in EASA AD 2020-0282 specifies to discard a certain part, this AD requires removing that part from service.
(4) Where EASA AD 2020-0282 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(5) Where the service information referred to in EASA AD 2020-0282 specifies to measure using the Smartphone application or the PowerPoint method, those methods of measurement are not required by this AD.
(6) Where the service information referred to in EASA AD 2020-0282 specifies to contact Airbus Helicopters if the measurement results cannot be confirmed, this AD requires determining the specified measurements but does not require contacting Airbus Helicopters for confirmation.
Although the service information referred to in EASA AD 2020-0282 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
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.
