FAA Tells Helicopter Pilots: Wiggle-Test Your Tail Rotor Now
Published Date: 4/25/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly an Airbus Helicopters Deutschland EC135 model, listen up! The FAA wants you to check the tail rotor driveshaft for any weird movement and fix any problems, especially with the flexible couplings that have been breaking. You can’t install a new tail rotor driveshaft unless you follow the new safety steps. Comments on this plan are open until June 9, 2025, so get involved early!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory tail-rotor inspection
If you operate an Airbus Helicopters Deutschland EC135 (listed models), the FAA proposes a required one-time inspection of both flexible couplings for axial displacement. The FAA estimates the inspection takes 8 work-hours at $85/hour, costing $680 per helicopter and would affect 69 U.S.-registered helicopters.
Replacement and repair costs if faults found
If the inspection finds problems, replacing both flexible couplings is estimated at 2 work-hours plus $4,100 parts for a total of $4,270 per helicopter; replacing a single coupling is estimated at 1 work-hour plus $2,050 parts for $2,135. Correcting axial displacement is estimated at 5 work-hours for $425.
Installation and flight restrictions
The proposed AD would prohibit installing a tail rotor drive shaft on these helicopters unless specified procedures are followed. The AD also prohibits special flight permits, meaning affected helicopters may not be flown under special-permit authority while affected.
Certain EC635 models are not covered
The FAA's proposed AD applies to listed EC135 models but does not apply to certain EC635 models (EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1, and EC635 T3) because those EC635 models are not FAA type-certificated.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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