Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21826 · Cargo compartments
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0066, dated March 8, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0066).
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports that certain aft and forward fitting assemblies, which are not approved for installation on certain helicopters, were installed on those helicopters as part of the outboard load system. Operators of those helicopters might not be aware of the applicable overhaul or life limits for those fitting assemblies. This AD requires inspecting the aft and forward fitting assemblies of the outboard load system to determine the part number, re-identifying the part if necessary, inspecting each affected part for damage (which may be indicated by signs of corrosion, mechanical damage, loose rivets, or cracks) and, depending on the findings, corrective actions, 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 2021-0066.
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0066 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0066 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (4) of, and the service information referenced in, EASA AD 2021-0066, specify contacting Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH for applicable instructions if any damage (which may be indicated by signs of corrosion, mechanical damage, loose rivets, or cracks) is found, the corrective action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0066 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service.
(5) This AD does not mandate compliance with the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2021-0066.
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0066 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.
