This amendment adopts a new Airworthiness Directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France model helicopters that requires operators to either temporarily or permanently secure the electrical bonding braid that is installed on the left cyclic pitch control stick base within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) and, if temporarily secured, installing a permanent attachment system for the bonding braid within 500 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first. The FAA claims this amendment is prompted by a report of a bonding braid twisting around the attachment nut installed on the bolt that connects the roll channel torque link to the left-hand cyclic pitch control stick. The agency says the actions specified by this AD, which becomes effective Dec. 10, 2003, are intended to prevent an unsecured bonding braid from restricting travel to the cyclic pitch control stick, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Biz AV’s AD Watch: Eurocopter France Model EC120B Helicopters
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA has issued a new Airworthiness Directive (AD) for specific Eurocopter France model helicopters.
- This AD requires operators to secure the electrical bonding braid on the left cyclic pitch control stick base, initially temporarily within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), and then permanently within 500 TIS hours or 12 months.
- The directive is a response to reports of unsecured bonding braids twisting and potentially restricting cyclic pitch control stick travel, with the aim of preventing subsequent loss of helicopter control.
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