Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters
Published Date: 2/2/2026
Rule
Summary
If you fly Airbus Helicopters Deutschland EC135 models, listen up! The FAA is updating safety rules to include newer EC135P3 and EC135T3 helicopters and speeding up inspections for cracks in a key ring frame part. You can either keep inspecting or modify the part to stop inspections—this kicks in February 17, 2026, so plan ahead to keep your chopper safe and flying.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 1 mixed.
New EC135P3/T3 Models Covered
If you operate Airbus Helicopters Deutschland Model EC135P3 or EC135T3 helicopters with mounting ring frame X9227 installed, this AD expands applicability to include those models effective February 17, 2026. The rule replaces AD 2014-13-09 and now explicitly lists EC135P3 and EC135T3 among affected models.
Accelerated Inspection Schedule
This AD requires the initial inspection for certain helicopters to be done within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours TIS. These shorter compliance times are effective February 17, 2026 and supersede the previous inspection intervals from AD 2014-13-09.
Mandatory Inspections and Replacement Rule
You must perform the actions specified in EASA AD 2025-0174R1 (incorporated by reference) including visual inspections of ring frame X9227, and if a crack is found the FAA AD requires replacing the ring frame with an airworthy part. This AD is effective February 17, 2026.
Optional Retrofit Stops Inspections
The AD allows modifying ring frame X9227 as an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections; modifying with retrofit kit SB-135-53-030-2C1 is estimated at $5,133 (17 work-hours + $3,688 parts) or using kit SB-135-53-030-2C2 at $2,883 (17 work-hours + $1,438 parts). The AD treats the modification as terminating the inspection requirement effective February 17, 2026.
Estimated Inspection Labor Cost and Fleet Impact
The FAA estimates each required inspection of ring frame X9227 takes 1 work-hour at $85 per hour (cost $85 per inspection) and that the AD affects 370 helicopters of U.S. registry, for a one-time inspection cost across the U.S. fleet of $31,450. These cost estimates are effective for the AD that starts February 17, 2026.
Special Flight Permits Prohibited
The AD explicitly prohibits special flight permits for affected helicopters. This prohibition is effective February 17, 2026 and means you cannot use a special flight permit to ferry an affected helicopter under this AD.
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