PRODUCT: Certain Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Model EC135 helicopters. SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2012-11-02 ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) that supersedes an existing Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) for the products listed above. The existing EAD, which was previously sent to all known U.S. owners and operators of ECD Model EC135 helicopters and not made generally effective by publication in the Federal Register, currently requires inspecting the ring frame between the rear structure tube (tailboom) and the tail rotor fenestron housing (fenestron housing) for a crack before the first flight of each day and replacing any cracked ring frame with an airworthy ring frame. Since we issued that EAD, we have determined that a pre-flight pilot check in conjunction with a recurring 25-hour inspection is sufficient for determining the airworthiness of the ring frame. Additionally, ECD has developed a modification that is terminating action for the requirements of that EAD. This superseding AD revises the inspection requirements of the EAD to allow an
owner/operator to perform the pre-flight pilot check, adds a recurring inspection of the ring frame, and allows for installation of a ring frame reinforcement as an optional terminating action for the AD requirements.
The actions are intended to detect a crack in the ring frame which could result in loss of the fenestron structure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: This AD becomes effective July 10, 2012. Comments on this AD are due by August 24, 2012.
Say Altitude Used by ATC to ascertain an aircraft's specific altitude/flight level. When the aircraft is climbing or descending, the pilot should state the indicated altitude round>[...]
Aero Linx: European Air Law Association (EALA) EALA was established in 1988 with the aim to promote the study of European air law and to provide an open forum for those with an int>[...]
From 2023 (YouTube Version): The Life, Death, Life, Death, and Life of a Glorious Warbird In 1981, business-owner Jim Tobul and his father purchased a Chance-Vought F4U Corsair. Mo>[...]
Also: USCG Retires MH-65 Dolphins, Irish Aviation Authority, NATCA Warns FAA, Diamond DA42 AD This summer, history enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to experience World Wa>[...]
Also: WACO Kitchen Bails, French SportPlane Mfr to FL, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Innovation Preview Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with>[...]