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:
- A new FAA Airworthiness Directive (AD) requires operators of specific Eurocopter France helicopters to secure the electrical bonding braid on the left cyclic pitch control stick base.
- The AD is prompted by a report of the bonding braid twisting around an attachment nut, which could restrict the cyclic stick's movement.
- The primary goal of this AD is to prevent an unsecured bonding braid from interfering with cyclic pitch control, thereby avoiding potential loss of helicopter control.
- Operators must temporarily secure the braid within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) and install a permanent attachment system within 500 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first.
See a mistake? Contact us.
