Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-23237 · Tail rotor drive shaft
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC635T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters, certificated in any category.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an EC135P3H designation are Model EC135P3 helicopters and helicopters with an EC135T3H designation are Model EC135T3 helicopters.
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.
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2023-0197, dated November 10, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0197).
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0197 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2023-0197 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraphs (2) and (6) of EASA AD 2023-0197 state “new”, this AD requires replacing that text with “new (zero hours time-in-service)”.
(4) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2023-0197 states “any discrepancy”, for the purpose of this AD, discrepancy may be indicated by cracks, mechanical damage, deformation, delamination, corrosion, loose rivets, or damaged surface protection, where these discrepancies exceed the allowable limits as defined in the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0197.
(5) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2023-0197 states “replace that flexible coupling”, this AD requires replacing that text with “replace that flexible coupling with a new (zero hours time-in-service) flexible coupling”.
(6) Where paragraphs (4) and (6) of EASA AD 2023-0197 state “in accordance with the instructions of section 4.1 of the Accomplishment Procedure of the ASB”, this AD requires replacing that text with “in accordance with the instructions of sections 4.1 and 4.2 of the Accomplishment Procedure of the material, referenced in EASA AD 2023-0197”.
(7) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2023-0197.
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0197 specifies to submit certain information and to send parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not require those actions.
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.
