Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-23131 · Cabin equipment/furnishings
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, EC635T2+, MBB-BK 117 C-2, MBB-BK 117 D-2, and MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters, certificated in any category.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an EC135P3H designation are Model EC135P3 helicopters, helicopters with an EC135T3H designation are Model EC135T3 helicopters, and helicopters with an MBB-BK 117C-2e designation are Model MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, EC635T2+, MBB-BK 117 C-2, MBB-BK 117 D-2, and MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a review of design data and the determination for recalculation of accumulated hoist boom cycles (cycles) and repetitive inspections. This AD requires determining the total cycles of certain hoist boom assemblies, inspecting those hoist boom assemblies, and depending on the results, taking corrective action. This AD also prohibits installing those hoist boom assemblies unless certain requirements are met. 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 2023-0066, dated March 24, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0066).
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0066 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA AD 2023-0066 refer to any discrepancy, for the purposes of this AD, a discrepancy is identified as surface deformation, damage, or corrosion that is within allowable limits.
(3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0066 specifies “before next hoist operation, accomplish the applicable corrective action in accordance with the instructions of the ASB”, this AD requires replacing that text with “before next hoist operation, repair any deformation, damage, and corrosion that is within the allowable limit, apply a protective chemical film, and restore the protective finish. If the inspection criteria fails (if there is surface deformation, damage, or corrosion that exceeds the allowable limit, any damage or corrosion in a riveted bore hole, or any crack), before further flight, replace the hoist boom assembly (which includes the support assembly) with a serviceable part, as defined in EASA AD 2023-0066”.
(4) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2023-0066.
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0066 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.
