Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21910 · Rotorcraft tail boom
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of corrosion found on the external tail boom skin, under the Very High Frequency (VHF) antenna. This AD requires inspecting the tail boom at the VHF antenna attachments and depending on the results, repairing or modifying the tail boom skin, 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 AD 2021-0015, dated January 13, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0015).
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0015 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where the service information referenced in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0015 specifies to check for corrosion, including to “make sure that there is no aluminum oxide (white powder),” “make sure that there is no pitting corrosion,” and “make sure that there are no crack,” this AD requires inspecting for any aluminum oxide (white powder), pitting corrosion, and cracks.
(3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0015 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service.
(4) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2021-0015 requires certain actions prior to the installation of a tail boom on any helicopter, including inspecting the tail boom, for this AD, the requirements of paragraph (h)(2) of this AD also apply to the inspection of the tail boom.
(5) This AD does not mandate compliance with the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2021-0015.
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0015 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
