Federal Register #FAA20264638

FAA Proposes Airworthiness Directives for Airbus Helicopters, Diamond DA20C1, and Stemme S 12 Gliders

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, is proposing new airworthiness directives (ADs) affecting multiple aircraft and helicopter models: - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service - OEMs and Vendors Mentioned: - Airbus Helicopters (primary OEM for helicopter AD) - Diamond Aircraft Industries (OEM for DA20C1 airplane AD) - Stemme GmbH (OEM for Stemme S 12 glider AD) - Artex (OEM for ELT 1000 emergency locator transmitter) - Products/Services Requested: - Inspection and corrective maintenance for Airbus Helicopters main gear box (MGB) engine coupling - Models: AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D (except Lycoming engine), EC130B4, EC130T2 - Quantity: 4,102 helicopters affected - Compliance with EASA AD 2023-0127 required - Continuity inspection and corrective actions for Artex ELT 1000 on Diamond DA20C1 airplanes - Part number: Artex ELT 1000 - Compliance with Diamond Aircraft Industries Mandatory Service Bulletin No. DAC12505, Rev. 1 - Repetitive visual checks and replacement of copper sealing rings for Stemme S 12 gliders - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Mandatory inspections and corrective actions to address safety issues (e.g., inverted engine flange installation, missing jumper wires, fuel leakage) - Prohibition on use of affected parts if not compliant - Compliance with referenced European and manufacturer service bulletins and airworthiness directives - No direct procurement of products; actions are regulatory and maintenance-focused - Locations: - FAA offices in Westbury, NY; Fort Worth, TX; and Kansas City, MO serve as key points of contact and oversight

Description

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters models including AS350B series, AS350D, EC130B4, and EC130T2. This AD is prompted by reports of an incorrectly installed engine flange on the main gear box (MGB) engine coupling. The directive requires inspecting the MGB engine coupling for correct installation and performing corrective actions if necessary. The purpose is to address the unsafe condition that could lead to loss of power transmission and control of the helicopter.

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