Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17885 · Tail rotor
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters) (AHD)
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2026-03-02. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Model EC135P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters with mounting ring frame X9227, part number (P/N) L535H2120301, P/N L535H2120303, or P/N L535H2120304, installed, except those with frame reinforcement P/N L535H2100201 installed, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for AHD Model EC135P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters. This AD requires repetitive visual inspections of the ring frame X9227 for a crack and, if there is a crack, replacing the ring frame before further flight. This AD is prompted by a fatigue crack in the ring frame. These actions are intended to detect a crack in the ring frame and prevent loss of the tail rotor and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time.
(1) On or before 100 hours time-in-service (TIS), or within 50 hours TIS for helicopters with more than 100 hours TIS, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass and a light, visually inspect the ring frame X9227 for a crack between the rivets as shown in Figure 2 of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB EC135-53A-029, Revision 0, dated November 19, 2013. Paint cracks are permissible.
(2) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the ring frame X9227 with an airworthy part.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
