# Proposed AD FAA-2026-4644: Airbus Helicopters

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2026-16-10
- Products: Airbus Helicopters
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: May 22, 2026, 91 FR 30257
- Comments due: July 6, 2026
- Became: [AD 2026-16-10](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2026-16-10)
- Docket: FAA-2026-4644 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2026-4644, where comments are filed)
- Project: MCAI-2024-00418-R
- FR document: 2026-10256
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/10/71/10712836bc5e8242bf5d0564b7ec3bc25e09253709c2b827a8790b872d51aca9 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-05-22/pdf/2026-10256.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/22/2026-10256/airworthiness-directives-airbus-helicopters
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/FR-ADNPRM-2026-10256-00000000000.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2026-4644

## Summary

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-25-14, which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2 helicopters. AD 2023-25-14 revises the procedures for inspecting the vibration level on the tail rotor drive shaft and, depending on these results, requires 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 proposed AD would require installing this modification and repetitively inspecting the vibration level of the tail rotor drive shaft. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of certain parts and prohibit the performance of a balance correction unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Notices in this docket

- May 22, 2026: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2026-10256, comments due Jul 6, 2026 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/22/2026-10256/airworthiness-directives-airbus-helicopters)

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