FAA orders · airworthiness directive · current

2000-26-02: Fenestron Tail Rotor

FAA order 2000-26-02 is an airworthiness directive in force since January 26, 2001. The FAA's subject line: Fenestron Tail Rotor. It names Airbus Helicopters EC-135 now H135: about 396 aircraft on the U.S. register today, though an order usually covers particular versions or serial numbers rather than every one. System: rotorcraft systems.

What it applies to as the FAA lists it

Kind of product: Aircraft
Makes: Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Models: EC135P1, EC135T1
On this site: Airbus Helicopters EC-135 now H135 396 registered

Dates and paperwork

In force since: January 26, 2001
Published: December 22, 2000 (signed December 11, 2000)
Docket: 2000-SW-19-AD
Replaces: 97-20-13
Status: Current
The FAA's document: Read the order on the FAA's site

The FAA's summary their words, unchanged

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to Eurocopter Deutschland Model EC135 P1 and T1 helicopters. That AD currently requires visual and dye-penetrant inspections for a cracked stator blade of the fenestron tail rotor (tail rotor). That AD also requires either stop drilling a cracked blade or, as necessary, replacing an unairworthy stator blade with an airworthy stator blade. This amendment requires replacing the existing stator blade assembly with a new stator blade assembly that incorporates a reinforced base and modified riveting and limits the applicability to certain serial numbered tail booms. This amendment is prompted by additional reports of cracked stator blades of the tail rotor. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the tail rotor and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

The order itself the regulatory text, as published

Show the full text (2,238 characters)

2000-26-02  EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND:  Amendment 39-12049.  Docket No. 2000-SW-19- AD.  Supersedes AD 97-20-13, Amendment 39-10240, Docket No. 97-SW-46-AD. 
	Applicability:  Model EC135 P1 and T1 helicopters, with tail boom serial number EVL 001 through EVL 045, installed, certificated in any category. 
	
	NOTE 1:  This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD.  For helicopters that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD.  The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it. 

	Compliance:  Required within 90 days, unless accomplished previously. 

	To prevent failure of the stator blades of the fenestron tail rotor and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: 

	(a)  Replace stator blade assembly, part number (P/N) L 535A4201 052, with stator blade assembly, P/N L 535A4201 053. 

	(b)  An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Regulations Group, Rotorcraft Directorate.  Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Regulations Group. 

	NOTE 2:  Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Regulations Group. 

	(c)  Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. 

	(d)  This amendment becomes effective on January 26, 2001.

Related safety bulletins advice on the same designs, not orders

2012-10-03SW-12-45 · Garmin Model 400W/500W Series GPS-WAAS Navigation System

2009-05-07SW-09-26 · Operation with Emergency Flotation System ARMED

2008-08-27SW-08-42 · Emergency Float with Liferaft Kits (kits)

Source: FAA Dynamic Regulatory System, airworthiness directives. The FAA's document is the authority; the register counts are this site's, from the FAA register of November 6, 2026. Connections as data: /graph/directive/2000-26-02.json · aircraft systems.