FAA to Helicopters: Check Those Tail Blades Again, Just in Case
Published Date: 7/30/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-04-10, which applies to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, and EC635T2+ helicopters. AD 2024-04-10 requires repetitively inspecting certain part-numbered tail rotor (T/R) blades for a crack and, depending on the results, removing any cracked T/R blade from service. AD 2024-04-10 also prohibits installing certain T/R blades on any helicopter unless certain requirements are met. Since AD 2024-04-10 was issued, it was determined that inspection Method A should be discontinued and that additional limitations shall be provided. This proposed AD would retain the actions of AD 2024-04-10 and would require repetitively inspecting a certain tail rotor blade (TRB) assembly for cracks and, depending on the results, removing any cracked TRB assembly from service and replacing an affected part as terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing an affected TRB assembly on any helicopter unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Repetitive tail-rotor inspections required
If you operate an Airbus Helicopters Deutschland (AHD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, or EC635T2+ helicopter, the FAA proposes to require repetitive inspections of a certain tail rotor blade (TRB) assembly for cracks and removal of any cracked TRB assembly from service. This proposed rule would supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-04-10.
Replacement can end repetitive inspections
The proposed AD would require replacing an affected part as a terminating action for the repetitive TRB inspections. After replacing the affected part, the repetitive inspections specified by the AD would end for that helicopter.
Installation of affected TRB assemblies prohibited
The proposed AD would prohibit installing an affected tail rotor blade (TRB) assembly on any helicopter unless certain requirements are met. The prohibition would apply as part of the superseding rule to address the identified unsafe condition.
Inspection Method A discontinued; new limits added
The FAA determined that inspection Method A should be discontinued and that additional limitations shall be provided; the proposed AD would reflect those changes. This modifies the inspection procedures and limits used under AD 2024-04-10.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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