airworthiness · Rule · Final rule; request for comments. · Published 2026-01-16 · Effective 2026-02-02 · 91 FR 2072
Document
Document number
2026-00818
Federal Register citation
91 FR 2072
Type
Rule
Action
Final rule; request for comments.
Category
airworthiness
Manufacturer
Airbus
Publication date
2026-01-16
Effective date
2026-02-02
FAA docket
Docket No. FAA-2026-0011
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-23- 52, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. AD 2025-23-52, required replacing the center shaft assembly with a serviceable center shaft assembly (either a shaft with another part number (P/N) or the same P/N with lower hours time-in- service (TIS)) and prohibited installing a center shaft assembly that is not a serviceable center shaft assembly on any helicopter. Since the FAA issued AD 2025-23-52, it was determined that for certain center shaft assemblies a repetitive inspection is adequate instead of replacement. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the center shaft assembly for cracks and replacing the center shaft assembly if it fails the inspection or exceeds a certain TIS. This AD also prohibits installing a center shaft assembly that is not a serviceable center shaft assembly on any helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.