FAA Supersedes Chopper Tail Rotor Vibration Fix Rules
Published Date: 8/14/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-25- 14, which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2 helicopters. AD 2023-25-14 revised the procedures for inspecting the vibration level on the tail rotor drive shaft and, depending on these results, required replacing certain parts. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-25-14, the manufacturer developed a modification of the rear drive shaft, sliding flange, and equipped splined sleeve. This AD requires installing this modification and repetitively inspecting the vibration level of the tail rotor drive shaft. This AD also prohibits the installation of certain parts and prohibits the performance of a balance correction unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory installation of modified drive parts
If you operate an Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2, you must install a manufacturer modification that includes a new rear drive shaft, sliding flange, and equipped splined sleeve. The FAA estimates installing the modified parts takes 8 work‑hours (8 x $85 = $680) plus parts costing $61,716, for a total cost per helicopter of $62,396; the rule is effective September 18, 2026 and the FAA estimates 108 U.S. helicopters are affected.
Parts and balance-correction prohibitions
The AD prohibits installing certain part‑numbered tail rotor drive shafts, sliding flanges, or splined sleeves and prohibits performing a balance correction unless done concurrently with replacing specified parts or using an approved method. If a balance correction was done previously, you must obtain FAA, EASA, or Airbus DOA‑approved corrective instructions.
Repetitive vibration inspections required
You must repetitively inspect the tail rotor drive shaft vibration level as required by the AD (in accordance with EASA AD 2024-0144 as adopted). The FAA estimates each vibration inspection takes 1 work‑hour at $85 per inspection.
No reporting requirement retained
Unlike the EASA AD text, this FAA AD does not require submitting vibration measurement reports to the manufacturer. You are not required to send those reports under this FAA AD.
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