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AD 2026-01180

Published 2026-01-22 · 10 models · 158 US-registered tails affected · Federal Register

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters Federal Register ↗

Abstract

The FAA is adopting 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 AD was prompted by reports of ruptured and deformed flexible couplings. This AD requires inspecting the axial displacement of the tail rotor drive shaft and, depending on the results, taking corrective actions including inspecting the flexible couplings. This AD also prohibits installing a tail rotor drive shaft unless certain procedures are followed. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Applicability · by US fleet size

  • AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND EC135P3 34 tails
  • FLEET 2 28 tails
  • AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND EC135T3 27 tails
  • FLEET 7 17 tails
  • FLEET 1 14 tails
  • AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND EC135P2+ 13 tails
  • AIRBUS HELICOPTERS EC135T3 9 tails
  • AIRBUS HELICOPTERS EC135P3 8 tails
  • AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND EC135T2+ 5 tails
  • FLEET 9 3 tails

Federal Register text

Verbatim; the Federal Register publication is the legally binding document. Cite: 91 FR 2681. View on Federal Register ↗

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 14 (Thursday, January 22, 2026)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 2681-2683] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2026-01180]

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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; Amendment 39-23237; AD 2026-02-01] RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting 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 AD was prompted by reports of ruptured and deformed flexible couplings. This AD requires inspecting the axial displacement of the tail rotor drive shaft and, depending on the results, taking corrective actions including inspecting the flexible couplings. This AD also prohibits installing a tail rotor drive shaft unless certain procedures are followed. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 26, 2026. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 26, 2026.