AD NUMBER: 2016-12-13

PRODUCT: Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model EC120B helicopters.

ACTION: Final Rule

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2000-05-17 and AD 2001-04-12, which apply to the aircraft listed above.

AD 2000-05-17 and AD 2001-04-12 required repetitive visual checks of the engine-to-main gearbox (MGB) coupling tube assembly (coupling tube) for a crack and replacing any cracked tube with an airworthy tube.

This new AD requires removing certain engine mount parts from service, measuring the height of the engine mounting base for certain helicopters, replacing the engine mount if a certain height is exceeded, inspecting the flared coupling on certain helicopters for a crack, and replacing the coupling if it is cracked.

Since AD 2000-05-17 and AD 2001-04-12 were issued, there have been reports of additional cracks in coupling tubes. These actions are intended to prevent coupling tube failure, loss of engine drive, and a subsequent forced landing of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective July 27, 2016.

FMI: AD