Helicopter Tail Wobbles? FAA Demands Weird Movement Inspections Now
Published Date: 4/25/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland models, the FAA wants you to check your tail rotor driveshaft for damage and fix any problems fast. They’re also stopping anyone from installing a tail rotor driveshaft without following special steps. This keeps flights safe and might cost some time and money, so don’t wait!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory tail-rotor driveshaft inspections
The FAA proposes an airworthiness directive requiring owners/operators of Airbus Helicopters Deutschland models EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC635T2+, and EC135T3 to inspect the axial displacement of the tail rotor driveshaft and, depending on results, take corrective actions including inspecting the flexible couplings. The proposal was prompted by reports of ruptured and deformed flexible couplings and is intended to address that unsafe condition.
Installation ban without required procedures
The FAA proposes to prohibit installing a tail rotor driveshaft on the listed Airbus Helicopters Deutschland models unless certain specified procedures (as set out in the referenced EASA AD) are followed. The prohibition is part of the proposed AD to prevent repeat failures linked to ruptured or deformed flexible couplings.
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