AD 2025-20946
Published 2025-11-25 · 6 models · 64 US-registered tails affected · Federal Register
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Federal Register ↗
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-26- 07, which applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters. AD 2021-26-07 requires performing repetitive inspections of the tail rotor (TR) hub body and, depending on the inspection results, replacing certain parts, and accomplishing further inspections. AD 2021-26-07 also requires for certain helicopters removing from service any bolt, washer, and nut installed on the TR hub body at certain life limits and replacing them with airworthy parts and accomplishing further inspections. Additionally, AD 2021-26-07 prohibits the installation of a certain part-numbered TR hub body unless certain requirements are met. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-26-07, it was determined that modifying the link of the TR hub body and splined flange by adding red paint marks is necessary to enable the detection of any loss of tightening torque. This AD retains the same repetitive inspections and corrective actions as AD 2021-26-07 and requires modification of the link of the TR hub body, which is a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD also requires repetitive inspections of the red paint line added during the modification of the link of the TR hub body for alignment. The FAA is issuing 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 53210. View on Federal Register ↗
[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 225 (Tuesday, November 25, 2025)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 53210-53215] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2025-20946]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0922; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00650-R; Amendment 39-23163; AD 2025-20-10] RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-26- 07, which applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters. AD 2021-26-07 requires performing repetitive inspections of the tail rotor (TR) hub body and, depending on the inspection results, replacing certain parts, and accomplishing further inspections. AD 2021-26-07 also requires for certain helicopters removing from service any bolt, washer, and nut installed on the TR hub body at certain life limits and replacing them with airworthy parts and accomplishing further inspections. Additionally, AD 2021-26-07 prohibits the installation of a certain part-numbered TR hub body unless certain requirements are met. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-26-07, it was determined that modifying the link of the TR hub body and splined flange by adding red paint marks is necessary to enable the detection of any loss of tightening torque. This AD retains the same repetitive inspections and corrective actions as AD 2021-26-07 and requires modification of the link of the TR hub body, which is a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD also requires repetitive inspections of the red paint line added during the modification of the link of the TR hub body for alignment. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 30, 2025. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 30, 2025.
[[Page 53211]]