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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13440 — Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-14248 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Crown Point, IN
Starting October 29, 2026, the FAA is creating new Class E airspace around the Franciscan Health Crown Point Hospital Heliport in Crown Point, Indiana. This change helps pilots fly safely using instruments, especially in bad weather. If you fly helicopters or planes near this hospital, get ready for updated flight rules—no extra costs, just smoother skies!
2026-14205 — Amendment of Class D Airspace and Removal of Class E4 Airspace Over Nashua, NH
The FAA is updating the airspace rules over Nashua, NH by removing some unnecessary Class E airspace around Boire Field Airport and tweaking the Class D airspace wording to stay current. These changes take effect on October 29, 2026, and won’t cost anyone extra or cause delays. Pilots flying in and out of Nashua will notice clearer, simpler airspace rules that keep things safe and smooth.
2026-14281 — Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines
The FAA wants all Rolls-Royce Deutschland BR700-725A1-12 engines to follow new, stricter rules for checking and replacing parts that wear out over time. This means operators must update their maintenance plans to keep engines safe and sound. Comments on this proposal are open until August 31, 2026, so affected operators should act fast to avoid surprises and extra costs later.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-07110 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
If you fly Airbus Helicopters AS 365 N3, EC 155B, or EC155B1 models, listen up! The FAA wants to fix false engine fire warnings by replacing certain fire detectors and stopping the use of the faulty ones. This keeps everyone safer and avoids scary false alarms—plus, it might cost some bucks and needs to happen soon.
Next: 2025-07112 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
The FAA wants to make sure certain Airbus helicopters stay safe by checking and inspecting their hoist boom parts more often. If the parts have been used too much or show problems, they’ll need fixing or replacing. This affects several helicopter models and could mean some extra inspections and costs soon to keep everyone flying safely.