Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-23124 · Tail rotor drive system
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model 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 EC 130 B4 and EC 130 T2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of heavy damage on the fenestron due to the loss of the tail rotor (TR) blade, which broke at the TR hub tension- torsion bar (tension-torsion bar). This AD requires inspecting the tension-torsion bar and, depending on the inspection results, replacing the part with a serviceable part. This AD also prohibits performing maintenance using certain maintenance manuals. 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 2024-0113, dated June 13, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0113).
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0113 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2024-0113 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2024-0113 defines Groups, for this AD, Group 1 also includes those helicopters for which it cannot be determined if maintenance was accomplished using Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) 64-21-00.6-27A or 64-21-00.6-27B, dated earlier than March 5, 2024.
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0113 specifies “discrepancies as identified in the ASB are”, this AD requires replacing that text with, “a discrepancy, which is defined as a crack, nail-sensitive scratch, deformed lamella, broken lamella, mark, circular contact indication (other than those on the first and last lamella of the tension-torsion bar), or the P/N is not written on the first and the last lamella, is”.
(5) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0113 specifies “an aeroplane”, this AD requires replacing that text with “any helicopter”.
(6) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0113 specifies to discard parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service.
(7) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0113 specifies actions for non-installed equipment or parts, this AD does not require those actions.
(8) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2024-0113.
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0113 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.
