Airworthiness Directive 2012-02-13
one-timeAirworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters
What this AD requires
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Eurocopter France EC130B4 helicopters that have not had Eurocopter Modification 073880 incorporated. This AD is prompted by several reports of cracks in the tailboom/Fenestron junction frame, which could result in structural failure of the tail boom, resulting in detachment of the Fenestron (tail rotor) and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these helicopters.
Which aircraft AD 2012-02-13 applies to
Applies to Model EC130B4 helicopters, all serial numbers, that do not have Eurocopter Modification (MOD) 073880 incorporated, certificated in any category. Unsafe condition: cracks on the tailboom/Fenestron junction frame, which could result in structural failure of the tailboom, detachment of the Fenestron, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Whether AD 2012-02-13 actually applies to your aircraft (by serial and installed parts) and whether it’s already complied with comes from that aircraft’s records.
How AD compliance is recorded
A valid compliance record (14 CFR 43.9) states:
Tailplate reads a tail number’s logbooks and matches every applicable AD — including this one — to its compliance evidence, with recurring next-due dates computed.
Look up a tail number →Read the full directive (Federal Register)Applicability is derived from the FAA directive corpus and is advisory, not a legal airworthiness determination. Compliance is established only from an aircraft’s actual records.