Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-23112 · Emergency flotation section
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B, EC 130 B4, and EC 130 T2 helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B, EC 130 B4, and EC 130 T2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a missing retaining ring between the supply hose and the central supply coupling of an emergency flotation system (EFS) inflation assembly. This AD requires inspecting for the presence of the retaining ring in an EFS with certain inflation assemblies installed and, depending on the results, taking corrective action. This AD also prohibits installing an EFS with those inflation assemblies installed. 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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2023-0166, dated August 25, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0166).
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0166 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2023-0166 defines “the Vendor SB”, for this AD, operators must use Safran Aerosystems Service Bulletin 025-69-42, Revision 00, dated June 13, 2023.
(3) Where EASA AD 2023-0166 defines the “affected part”, this AD requires replacing “the ASB (as defined in this AD)” and “the ASB” with “Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB EC120-25-40-0001 and ASB EC130-25-40-0001, each Issue 001 and dated July 12, 2023, as applicable”.
(4) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0166 states “At the time of next removal of the EFS from the helicopter or within 19 months, whichever occurs first”, this AD requires replacing that text with “Within 19 months”.
(5) Where the ASB, as defined and referenced in EASA AD 2023-0166, specifies sending parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.
(6) Where the Vendor SB, referenced in the ASB, as defined and referenced in EASA AD 2023-0166, specifies that its procedures must be performed by the Safran Aerosystems repair network or by staff able to perform the float maintenance in accordance with applicable maintenance documentation, this AD requires that those procedures be accomplished by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3.
(7) Where the Vendor SB, referenced in the ASB, as defined and referenced in EASA AD 2023-0166, specifies discarding adhesive tape, this AD requires removing the adhesive tape from service.
(8) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2023-0166.
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0166 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.
