Fuselage — Tail Boom / Fenestron Junction Frame — Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2018-0104R1
- Replaces
- 2017-0080
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected EC 130 B4 and T2 helicopters must perform detailed visual inspections and cleaning of the tail boom/fenestron junction frame according to specified intervals based on flight hours and sling cycles. The mandatory modification (mod 074775) must be completed within 68 months from 11 May 2018, with extended compliance allowed under this revision. Any detected cracks require immediate contact with Airbus Helicopters for repair instructions before further flight.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0104R2 is an updated regulatory document addressing inspection and modification requirements for Airbus Helicopters EC 130 B4 and EC 130 T2 models. It focuses on the fuselage tail boom and fenestron junction frame to detect and prevent crack propagation that could lead to structural failure and loss of helicopter control. The directive applies to all serial numbers except those with specific Airbus modifications 074775 or 074581.
What changed
This revision extends the compliance time for the mandatory modification of the tail boom/fenestron junction frame by an additional 12 months due to industrial delays. It also updates the applicability to exclude helicopters post-modification 074581 and retains previous inspection and modification requirements as terminating actions for repetitive inspections.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to ensure the structural integrity of the EC 130 helicopter tail boom junction frame, preventing potential fenestron detachment and loss of control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply with inspection intervals and modifications to maintain airworthiness and regulatory compliance. Failure to detect cracks early could result in unsafe flight conditions and regulatory violations.
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