Eurocopter recommends EC 135 gearbox oil switch
During a technical briefing held yesterday at Heli-Expo, Eurocopter encouraged EC 135 operators to keep a close eye on their helicopters’ main transmission

During a technical briefing held yesterday at Heli-Expo, Eurocopter encouraged EC 135 operators to keep a close eye on their helicopters’ main transmission gearbox. The European helicopter manufacturer, along with transmission supplier ZF Luftfahrttechnik of Flugplatzstrasse, Germany (Booth No. 4349), is taking a proactive approach to prevent spalling or tooth breakage of the input drive gears.

While Eurocopter technical representative Mike Morters said that since 2004 only five of the more than 600 in-service EC 135s have experienced gearbox tooth breakage, all of which led to chip light warnings, the company is concerned about the situation and is watching the fleet for evidence of any further problems. “Our priority is to keep the fleet flying without compromising flight safety,” he told operators.