FAA Demands Replacement of Dodgy Blades on Airbus Helicopters
Published Date: 11/18/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to make sure Airbus EC 130 T2 helicopters stay safe by replacing some main rotor blades that weren’t properly certified. If you own or operate these helicopters, you’ll need to swap out the affected blades and can’t put those old ones back on. Comments on this plan are open until January 2, 2026, so act fast if you have thoughts or questions!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory MRB replacement for EC 130 T2
If you own or operate an Airbus EC 130 T2 helicopter delivered before September 23, 2024, you must replace any main rotor blades with part number 355A11003002 because they were not certified for installation. The FAA proposes to require replacing them with serviceable MRBs P/N 355A11003004 and prohibits installing the affected MRBs, in accordance with EASA AD 2025-0062.
FAA estimated compliance costs and scope
The FAA estimates this AD would affect 111 U.S.-registered EC 130 T2 helicopters. The agency lists parts cost per MRB as $106,496 and labor as 1 work-hour at $85, giving a cost per product of $106,581 and a total estimated cost to U.S. operators of $11,830,491; up to three MRBs may need replacement per helicopter.
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