What Happened
Regulatory Action Targets Main Rotor Blade Safety
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an airworthiness directive for Airbus Helicopters Model EC 130 T2 helicopters, citing the need to address main rotor blades that are not certified for installation on these aircraft. The directive, which becomes effective on November 2, 2026, requires operators to replace affected parts with serviceable ones and prohibits the installation of non-certified main rotor blades. This action is intended to prevent main rotor blade failure due to improper maintenance, which could result in loss of control of the helicopter. The FAA’s move was reported in the Federal Register, Volume 91, Issue 186.