What Are Safran Modules and Accessories?
Safran Helicopter Engines are designed with a modular architecture, making them serviceable in stages rather than requiring a full engine replacement. These modules and accessories are engineered to meet stringent aviation safety and performance standards.
Primary Safran Arriel Engine Modules Include:
- Module 1: Axial Compressor & Accessory Gearbox (P/N: 70BM015420)
- Module 2: Centrifugal Compressor (P/N: 70BM025020)
- Module 3: Gas Generator Turbine (P/N: 70BM035420)
- Module 4: Power Turbine (P/N: 70BM045410)
- Module 5: Reduction Gearbox (P/N: 70BM055420)
Each of these modules works in concert to deliver the power, efficiency, and control rotorcraft operators depend on.
Safran accessories such as
Freewheel Shaft Assemblies,
Fuel Control Units (FCU),
Start/Overspeed Drain Valves,
Tail Rotor Spiders, and
Swashplates further support performance across flight stages—from startup to hover to autorotation.
Why Certification Matters
1. Compliance with FAA and OEM Standards
Certified Safran parts are manufactured or overhauled under strict quality assurance procedures. Every part must meet
FAA regulations,
OEM design tolerances, and international aviation quality standards.
This certification ensures:
- Traceability with 8130-3 tags
- Material and dimensional compliance
- Compatibility with Arriel engine specifications
- Warranty support and maintenance log validation
At
Black Mountain Aviation, we only install parts that meet FAA and Safran certification standards to ensure your aircraft remains legally airworthy and safe.
2. Proven Reliability in Demanding Conditions
Rotorcraft used in firefighting, EMS, utility transport, or tourism often operate in extreme temperatures, dusty conditions, and remote areas. In these missions, component failure isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous.
Certified Safran modules and accessories are stress-tested for durability under high loads, thermal cycling, and vibration. Uncertified parts or counterfeit components may look similar but often lack:
- Metallurgical integrity
- Proper balancing
- Lifecycle validation
Using certified parts reduces the likelihood of mid-mission mechanical failure, especially in
Airbus platforms like the H125 and EC130, where Arriel engines are a primary powerplant.
3. Extended Engine Life and Predictable Maintenance Cycles
Every certified Safran module and accessory comes with documented
Time Between Overhaul (TBO) or
replacement intervals. When used in conjunction with routine inspections, this allows operators to forecast maintenance, plan part replacements, and minimize AOG (Aircraft on Ground) time.
For example:
- Freewheel Shaft Assembly (P/N: 0292907680) typically requires replacement between 2,000–3,000 cycles.
- Fuel Control Unit (P/N: 0164851320) should be replaced between 1,200–1,500 hours depending on fuel quality and engine loading.
- Tail Rotor Spider (P/N: 350A33-2167-01) is replaced every 1,000–2,000 hours based on airframe and usage.
Certified parts ensure you can trust the documented service life—and plan accordingly.
The Risks of Using Non-Certified or Out-of-Spec Components
Unknown Origin
Without 8130-3 certification, the history, material composition, or tolerances of a part are unknown. This increases the risk of failure under load.
Incompatibility
Modules and accessories not built to OEM specs may introduce imbalance, wear on adjacent components, or incompatibility with modern FADEC systems.
Insurance and Legal Liability
Should a failure occur due to a non-certified part, insurance claims may be denied and legal consequences could follow—especially in commercial or charter operations.
Certified Safran Accessories That Impact Rotorcraft Performance
Black Mountain Aviation provides a range of
certified accessories designed to optimize your aircraft’s reliability:
Tail Rotor Spider (Pitch Change Unit)
P/Ns: 350A33-2030-00, 350A33-2167-00, 350A33-2167-01
Controls tail rotor blade pitch. A worn unit can cause yaw instability and delayed response.
Swashplate Assemblies
P/Ns: 350A37-1004-08 to -11
Translates cyclic and collective input to rotor blade pitch. Cracks, play, or friction can cause erratic control.
Anti-Vibrator Assemblies (AVA)
P/Ns: 350A31-0033-01 to -06
Dampens oscillation and vibration through the main and tail rotor systems.
Drain Valves
Overspeed & Start – P/Ns: 0174078030, 0174120180
Failure can result in start-up fuel pooling, overspeed events, or inefficient lubrication cycles.
How Black Mountain Aviation Supports Rotorcraft Operators
We’re not just parts suppliers—we’re performance partners. Here’s how we ensure certified Safran parts are installed and supported properly:
- Component Overhaul Exchange Program: Swap expired or worn parts for certified modules with zero downtime
- On-Site Field Support: Certified technicians available throughout Nevada and the Southwest
- 8130-3 Traceable Inventory: Large stock of FAA-certified engine modules and accessories
- Expertise with Airbus Platforms: Specializing in AS350 B2/B3, H125, and EC130 B4/T2
Our highly trained team includes technicians with
30+ years of Arriel experience, factory training from Safran, and decades of hands-on airframe and powerplant maintenance.
Summary: Long-Term Rotorcraft Performance Starts With Certified Parts
If you’re serious about maintaining flight safety, minimizing operating costs, and extending the life of your Airbus helicopter, using
certified Safran modules and accessories is non-negotiable.
From module replacements and fuel control units to tail rotor spiders and vibration dampers, every part matters. Trusting a certified repair station like
Black Mountain Aviation means trusting in:
- Traceability
- Compliance
- Expertise
- Long-term performance
Contact Black Mountain Aviation Today
Call:
(702) 294-1044
Visit: www.bmaviation.net
Address: 1411 Airport Rd, Suite 100, Boulder City, NV 89005
Certified. Reliable. FAA-approved. That’s the Black Mountain Aviation standard.
