FAA Cracks Down on Helicopter Paint and Shaft Risks
Published Date: 8/20/2025
Rule
Summary
If you own certain Siam Hiller helicopters, listen up! The FAA found cracks in some main rotor drive shafts and now requires inspections to keep things safe. You’ll need to check your parts soon, avoid using certain paint strippers, and follow new rules to keep flying without extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory inspection for cracked drive shafts
If you own a Siam Hiller Model UH-12E (Army OH-23G and H-23F) or UH-12E-L helicopter, the FAA now requires inspecting certain main rotor (M/R) transmission drive shafts for cracks. You must perform these inspections to address reported cracks in the drive shaft before continuing normal operations.
Installation blocked until inspection completed
The AD prohibits installing certain M/R drive shafts unless the required inspection for cracks has been completed. That means you cannot fit affected drive shafts into service until you follow the inspection steps mandated by the FAA.
Certain paint strippers now prohibited
The AD prohibits using certain paint strippers when working on the affected helicopters. Maintenance personnel and owners must avoid those specific paint strippers when servicing affected parts.
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