FAA Orders Airbus Helicopter Shaft Swaps to Prevent Cracks
Published Date: 11/21/2025
Rule
Summary
If you own or operate an Airbus EC130B4 or EC130T2 helicopter, listen up! The FAA found that the center shaft assembly can crack sooner than expected, so they’re requiring you to replace it with a safer, approved part by December 8, 2025. This keeps your helicopter flying safely and avoids costly repairs down the road. Comments on this rule are open until January 5, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory Center Shaft Replacement
If you own or operate an Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 or EC130T2, you must replace the center shaft assembly with a serviceable center shaft assembly by the AD that is effective December 8, 2025. The rule also stops anyone from installing a center shaft assembly that is not a serviceable center shaft assembly.
Estimated Replacement Cost per Helicopter
The FAA estimates the replacement will cost $1,020 in labor (12 work-hours at $85/hour) plus $26,890 for parts, for a total of $27,910 per helicopter. The FAA estimates the total cost to U.S. operators for all affected helicopters is $8,484,640.
Immediate Replacement Timing for Many
About 100 of the 304 affected helicopters on the U.S. registry are already over the fatigue threshold and will require replacement within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS). About half of the affected helicopters operate 30 or more hours TIS per month and could require replacement within 10 days.
Special Flight Permits Prohibited
The AD states that special flight permits are prohibited. This means operators may not use special flight permits to move affected helicopters under this AD.
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