Federal Register #FAA20264656

FAA Airworthiness Directive Proposal for Airbus Helicopters EC135/EC635 Tail Rotor Blade Assemblies

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, is proposing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) EC135 and EC635 helicopter models. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Aircraft Certification Service - Integrated Certificate Management Division - OEM Highlight: - Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) - Products/Services Requested: - Tail rotor blade (TRB) assemblies for EC135 and EC635 models - Part numbers: L642A2002111, L642A2002112, L642A2002121 - Repetitive inspection services for TRB assemblies - Removal and replacement of cracked TRB assemblies - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Compliance with EASA AD 20260031 - Inspections must use dye-penetrant, eddy current, or fluorescent penetrant methods - TRB assemblies must be replaced before 1,432 hours time-in-service or within 10 hours after the AD's effective date, whichever is later - Installation of certain TRB assemblies is prohibited unless requirements are met - No specific purchase quantities; this is a regulatory compliance action - Estimated compliance costs include inspection and potential replacement of affected parts

Description

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, and EC635T2+ helicopters. This AD is prompted by a report of a separated tail rotor blade assembly due to a crack caused by intergranular corrosion. The directive requires repetitive inspections of certain tail rotor blade assemblies for cracks, removal of any cracked assemblies, and replacement of affected parts as terminating action. It also prohibits installing certain tail rotor blade assemblies unless specific requirements are met to address the unsafe condition.

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