Fuselage — Tail Boom — Inspection / Modification / Repair
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must inspect the VHF antenna attachments on the tail boom within six months of 27 January 2021, following Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC120-53A017 Revision 1. If no corrosion or cracks are found, the tail boom must be modified before the next flight. If corrosion or cracks are detected, repairs must be completed before the next flight according to Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin EC120-53-018. Additionally, any tail boom installed after the effective date must be inspected and modified or repaired as applicable prior to installation.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0015 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting all Airbus Helicopters EC 120 B models. It addresses corrosion found on the external tail boom skin under the VHF antenna, which could compromise the tail boom structure and potentially cause a helicopter rollover during landing. The directive mandates inspection, modification, and repair procedures to ensure continued airworthiness.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a one-time inspection requirement of the VHF antenna attachments on the tail boom of EC 120 B helicopters. Depending on inspection results, operators must either modify the tail boom to prevent galvanic corrosion or repair detected corrosion or cracks. It also establishes requirements for inspecting and modifying or repairing tail booms prior to installation on any helicopter.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a hidden corrosion issue that could lead to structural failure and serious accidents. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to maintain aircraft safety and regulatory compliance. The directive ensures that tail boom integrity is preserved, reducing the risk of costly damage and enhancing operational safety.
More for Airbus Helicopters EC 120 B
All 25- EASA AD 2025-0159R1Placards and Markings – Unlock Sliding Door – InstallationOct 19, 2026
- EASA AD 2025-0159Placards and Markings — Unlock Sliding Door — InstallationJul 24, 2025
- EASA AD 2024-0243Rotors Flight Control — Pilot Cyclic Stick Bonding Braid — InspectionDec 13, 2024
- EASA AD US-2024-20-07Equipment / Furnishings - Emergency Float Kit Activation Handle - Repetitive Inspections / ReplacementNov 29, 2024
- EASA AD 2024-0209Tail Rotor — Hub Body — Inspection / Replacement
Get the next one by email
New ADs and bulletins for Airbus Helicopters EC 120 B, summarized like this page, every Monday.