Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Key claim: Operators of certain Airbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 models must replace uncertified main rotor blades with approved parts and may not install the affected blades.
Abstract
(Rule · Transportation Department, Federal Aviation Administration) The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC 130 T2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by the determination that helicopter operators received main rotor blades (MRB) that are not certified to be installed on their helicopters and thus, without instructions for continued airworthiness, cannot be properly maintained. This AD requires replacing the affected parts with serviceable parts and prohibits installing the affected MRBs on Airbus Helicopters Model EC 130 T2 helicopters. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
[This finding represents 2 closely related documents issued 2026-09-28 (same source, same action). Related: fedreg:2026-19729]
Why this matters
Uncertified main rotor blades on EC 130 T2 helicopters represent a direct airworthiness risk, and this FAA final rule removes them from service by mandating replacement with approved parts and barring reinstallation. It continues the pattern of ADs that address parts-provenance and manufacturing-quality escapes in the rotorcraft fleet.