FAA proposes inspections for Airbus EC135 and EC635 tail rotor blades
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This proposed rule would require repeated inspections of certain tail rotor blade assemblies on Airbus Helicopters Deutschland EC135 and EC635 helicopters. The FAA is acting after a tail rotor blade separated because a crack formed from intergranular corrosion. Operators would need to inspect the affected assemblies, remove any cracked assembly from service, and replace the affected part to end the repeat inspection requirement. The proposal would also block installation of the affected tail rotor blade assembly unless the required conditions are met.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Requires repeated crack inspections of certain tail rotor blade assemblies on Airbus EC135 and EC635 helicopters
- Requires removal from service of any cracked tail rotor blade assembly
- Prohibits installation of affected assemblies unless the required safety conditions are met
Obligations
What this law requires
Operators of affected Airbus Helicopters Deutschland EC135 and EC635 helicopters would be required to repetitively inspect the specified tail rotor blade assembly for cracks.
If a crack is found during inspection, operators would be required to remove the cracked tail rotor blade assembly from service.
Operators would be required to replace the affected part as terminating action to end the repetitive inspection requirement.
Installation of the specified tail rotor blade assembly on any helicopter would be prohibited unless the required conditions in the proposed AD are met.
Any comments on the NPRM must be submitted to the FAA by August 13, 2026.