FAA Orders Checks on Airbus Chopper Ball Pivots Now
Published Date: 9/29/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly or fix certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland models, listen up! The FAA wants to update safety rules by adding regular checks on a key helicopter part called the ball pivot, plus fixing any issues found. You’ll also need to report your inspection results, and these changes aim to keep flights safe without breaking the bank. Comments on this plan are open until November 13, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 6 costs, 0 mixed.
Replacement parts can be expensive
If inspections lead to replacements, the FAA lists on-condition costs per replacement: adapter $888, ball pivot $2,931, close-tolerance bolt $127, connector cover $656, control rod $6,920, input lever $9,925, and rod end $728 (labor shown separately).
Repetitive ball-pivot inspections and fixes
If you operate or maintain certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland models (EC135 variants and EC635T2+ with serial numbers up to and including 1999), the FAA would require repeating inspections of the ball pivot and doing corrective actions if problems are found, in accordance with EASA AD 2025-0260 (dated 2025-11-25). The rule also prohibits installing specified part numbers (ball pivot P/N 92-201-00 and P/N 92-207-00; yaw actuator P/Ns L672M2005104/5105/5106; control rod P/Ns L672M2006101/6102) unless they meet serviceable-part requirements, and it requires reporting the inspection results.
Estimated per-inspection labor costs
The FAA estimates inspection labor costs per helicopter as: $170 for a ball-pivot inspection (2 work-hours at $85/hr), $170 for fluorescent penetrant inspection (2 hours), $170 for yaw-actuator interface inspection (2 hours), $85 for control-rod inspection (1 hour), $85 to report inspection results (1 hour), and $85 to inspect freedom of movement (1 hour). The FAA estimates the proposed AD would affect 377 U.S.-registered helicopters, making the aggregate U.S. operator cost per $170 inspection $64,090 and per $85 inspection $32,045.
Special flight permits disallowed
The proposed AD explicitly states that special flight permits (per 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) are not allowed for affected helicopters. Operators cannot use those permits to fly the helicopter while the unsafe condition exists.
Mandatory reporting and paperwork time
The rule requires reporting inspection results to the manufacturer and FAA; the Paperwork Reduction Act information shows the OMB Control Number 2120-0056 and estimates public reporting at about 1 hour per response. The FAA also estimated a 1-hour labor cost ($85) for the reporting action in its cost table.
Which helicopters are covered
The proposed AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland models EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, and EC635T2+ with serial numbers up to and including 1999. Helicopters with EC135P3H and EC135T3H designations are treated as EC135P3 and EC135T3, respectively.
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