Federal Register #2026-19971

FAA proposes yaw-actuator inspections and corrective actions for specified Airbus EC135 and EC635T2+ helicopters

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), within the U.S. Department of Transportation, proposes safety requirements for certain Airbus helicopters; this is a regulatory action, not a purchase solicitation. - Government buyer / issuing agency: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). - OEMs named: Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) is the manufacturer of the affected helicopters and assemblies. The text also mentions Bell in connection with a separate Model 505 proposal, but provides no detailed requirements for it. - Affected aircraft: AHD EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, and EC635T2+ helicopters, serial numbers 0005–1276. The FAA estimates 377 U.S.-registered helicopters are affected. - Safety issue and requirements: A broken yaw-actuator control rod reportedly caused loss of tail-rotor controls, creating a risk of losing helicopter control. The proposed directive calls for a one-time inspection of the ball pivot, yaw actuator, and related parts; repetitive ball-pivot inspections; and, depending on findings, further inspections, replacement of affected parts, and application of new sealing compound. It also restricts installation of affected parts unless specified serviceability requirements are met. - Affected assemblies and part numbers: Yaw actuator assembly P/N L672M2005107; dual yaw actuator assemblies P/Ns L221M1047101, L221M1047102, L221M1047103, L221M1047104, L221M1047105, and L221M1047106. No purchase quantities are specified. - Related organization: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is the source of the safety directive incorporated by reference. - Other proposal mentioned: A separate Bell Model 505 proposal begins in the provided text, but its detailed requirements are not available.

Description

The Federal Aviation Administration proposes a new airworthiness directive for certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135 and EC635T2+ helicopters. The proposal follows a report of lost tail rotor controls caused by a broken yaw-actuator control rod, a condition that could lead to loss of helicopter control. It would require a one-time inspection of the ball pivot, yaw actuator assembly, and associated parts, along with repetitive ball-pivot inspections and, depending on results, replacements, further inspections, and application of new sealing compound. It would also restrict installation of affected parts unless they are serviceable and specified requirements are met; comments are due November 16, 2026.

View original listing