FAA Proposes New Airworthiness Requirements for Certain Airbus EC130T2 Helicopters
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The proposal would require certain Airbus EC130T2 helicopter operators to install a manufacturer-developed modification to the rear drive shaft, sliding flange, and equipped splined sleeve. It would also require repeated vibration inspections of the tail rotor drive shaft to address a safety risk linked to excessive vibration and related part failures. Operators, maintenance providers, and parts suppliers would need to review affected aircraft, plan the required modification, continue vibration checks, and avoid installing certain parts unless the FAA’s conditions are met. Comments on the proposal are due by July 6, 2026.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Requires installation of a manufacturer-developed modification on affected Airbus EC130T2 helicopters
- Requires repeated vibration inspections of the tail rotor drive shaft
- Restricts installation of certain parts and balance corrections unless FAA conditions are met
Obligations
What this law requires
Submit any comments on the FAA notice of proposed rulemaking through the specified FAA procedures by the comment deadline.
Install the manufacturer-developed modification of the rear drive shaft, sliding flange, and equipped splined sleeve on affected Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2 helicopters if the proposed AD is finalized.
Repetitively inspect the vibration level of the tail rotor drive shaft on affected Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2 helicopters if the proposed AD is finalized.
Replace certain parts depending on the results of the tail rotor drive shaft vibration inspection, consistent with the AD inspection procedures.
Do not install certain affected parts unless the FAA-specified requirements in the proposed AD are met.