Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21903 · Tail rotor blades
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of geometrical non-conformities in the tail rotor blade (TRB) root section discovered during an accident investigation of a Model EC130B helicopter. Due to the similarity of design and production requirements, certain TRBs for the Model EC120B helicopters were inspected and geometrical non-conformities were also found. This AD requires an inspection (dimensional check) to verify conformity, and replacement of certain TRBs 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 2021-0079, dated March 17, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0079).
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0079 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0079 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0079 specifies discarding a part, this AD requires removing that part from service.
(4) This AD does not mandate compliance with the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2021-0079.
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0079 specifies to measure using the Smartphone application, the PowerPoint method, or “Contacting customer support with a specific procedure,” this AD requires determining the specified measurements but those methods of measurement are not required by this AD.
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0079 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
