Federal Register #FAA-2026-11790

FAA Proposes Airworthiness Directive for Airbus EC135/EC635T2+ Helicopters: Inspections and Part Restrictions

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) EC135 and EC635T2+ series helicopters. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - OEM Highlight: - Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) is the sole OEM referenced - Products/Parts Affected: - Ball pivot (P/N 92-201-00, 92-207-00) - Yaw actuator assembly (P/N L672M2005104, L672M2005105, L672M2005106) - Control rod (P/N L672M2006101, L672M2006102) - Services Required: - Repetitive inspections of the ball pivot, control rod, and yaw actuator assembly - Corrective actions based on inspection results - Mandatory reporting of inspection results to the FAA - Notable Requirements: - Prohibits installation of affected parts unless they are serviceable and pass inspection - Compliance with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0260 - Addresses unsafe conditions that could result in loss of tail rotor controls and helicopter control - Applies to helicopters with serial numbers up to 1999 - No special flight permits allowed; alternative compliance methods may be approved by the FAA

Description

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-13-06, which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135 series helicopters. The AD requires repetitive inspections of the ball pivot, control rod, and yaw actuator assembly, with corrective actions depending on inspection results. It also prohibits installing affected parts unless they are serviceable and meet certain requirements, and requires reporting inspection results. The purpose is to address an unsafe condition that could result in loss of tail rotor controls and loss of control of the helicopter.

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