AD 2026-16-10: Airbus Helicopters

What the FAA requires

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-25- 14, which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2 helicopters. AD 2023-25-14 revised the procedures for inspecting the vibration level on the tail rotor drive shaft and, depending on these results, required replacing certain parts. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-25-14, the manufacturer developed a modification of the rear drive shaft, sliding flange, and equipped splined sleeve. This AD requires installing this modification and repetitively inspecting the vibration level of the tail rotor drive shaft. This AD also prohibits the installation of certain parts and prohibits the performance of a balance correction unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Read the full directive on the Federal Register →

Applicability

This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2 helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2024-0144, dated July 19, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0144). ( printed page 52496) (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6510, Tail rotor drive shaft. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a crack in the tailboom. The FAA is issuing this AD to address an excessive vibration level on the tail rotor drive shaft. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the tail rotor drive shaft and loss of yaw control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times spe

Part numbers this directive names

This directive does not name specific part numbers in its text; it applies by aircraft model. See the applicability above and the manufacturer's service bulletin it references.