Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-23035 · Cabin equipment/furnishings
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2, AS350B3, and EC130B4 helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2023-0107, dated May 26, 2023; corrected June 2, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0107).
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2, AS350B3, and EC130B4 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of broken cargo swing frames and the determination to change an existing repetitive inspection threshold. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the cargo swing installation and frame and, depending on the results, performing corrective action, 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 paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2023-0107.
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0107 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2023-0107 defines SC as “swing cycles,” this AD requires replacing that text with “sling cycles.”
(3) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0107 specifies that certain procedures may be done by a pilot with correct training and accreditation, this AD requires that those actions be accomplished by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3.
(4) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0107 states “within the compliance time specified in Table 1 of this AD, as applicable,” this AD requires replacing that text with “within the compliance time specified in Table 1 of this AD, as applicable, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months and 36 days or 550 SC, whichever occurs first.”
(5) Where the AMM task, as defined in EASA AD 2023-0107, specifies dye penetrant inspecting the cargo swing installation and frame if in doubt if there is a crack, this AD requires dye penetrant inspecting the cargo swing installation and frame if, as a result of the visual inspection, there is a line having no visible gap or misalignment to determine if the line is a scratch or a crack.
Note 1 to paragraph (h)(5): Entering compliance into helicopter maintenance records showing that a dye penetrant inspection was performed improves the accuracy of maintenance records regarding use of dye penetrant inspection dye.
(6) Instead of complying with paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0107, comply with the following, “As a result of the actions required by paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0107, if there is a distortion, scratch, hammering mark, or impact mark that exceeds the allowable limit, or any crack, gap, or misalignment, before further flight, remove the cargo swing frame from service and replace it with an airworthy cargo swing frame.”
(7) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2023-0107.
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0107 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.
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.
