Summary
We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2014-12- 51 for Airbus Helicopters (previously Eurocopter France) Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. AD 2014-12-51 currently requires repetitively inspecting the tailboom to Fenestron junction frame (junction frame) for a crack. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2014- 12-51, change the applicability from helicopters with certain hours time-in-service (TIS) to junction frames with certain hours TIS, and add a compliance time for sling cycles to the junction frame inspection interval. These proposed actions are intended to detect a crack and to prevent failure of the junction frame, which could result in loss of the Fenestron and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.