AD 2025-07111
Published 2025-04-25 · 6 models · 96 US-registered tails affected · Federal Register
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters Federal Register ↗
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC635T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of ruptured and deformed flexible couplings. This proposed AD would require inspecting the axial displacement of the tail rotor driveshaft and, depending on the results, taking corrective actions including inspecting the flexible couplings. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing a tail rotor drive shaft unless certain procedures are followed. These actions are specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Applicability · by US fleet size
Federal Register text
Verbatim; the Federal Register publication is the legally binding document. Cite: 90 FR 17352. View on Federal Register ↗
[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 79 (Friday, April 25, 2025)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 17352-17355] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2025-07111]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0629; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-01183-R] RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2,
[[Page 17353]]
EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC635T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of ruptured and deformed flexible couplings. This proposed AD would require inspecting the axial displacement of the tail rotor driveshaft and, depending on the results, taking corrective actions including inspecting the flexible couplings. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing a tail rotor drive shaft unless certain procedures are followed. These actions are specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by June 9, 2025.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Fax: (202) 493-2251. Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0629; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Material Incorporated by Reference: For EASA material identified in this proposed AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: [email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N- 321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. The EASA material is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0629.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Aaron Nguyen, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5134; email: [email protected].