The Complete Guide to Safran Engine Parts, Modules, and Accessories for Airbus Helicopters

In the demanding world of rotorcraft maintenance and operation, Safran engine parts are at the heart of performance, reliability, and mission readiness. Whether you operate an Airbus H125, AS350 B2/B3, or EC130 T2, understanding how Safran modules and accessories work—and when to service or replace them—is crucial for reducing downtime and increasing flight safety.



As an FAA-certified Part 145 Repair Station (LVBR789X) based in Boulder City, Nevada, Black Mountain Aviation provides industry-grade inspection, replacement, and exchange services for a wide range of Safran engine components. This guide is built for helicopter operators, maintenance professionals, and fleet managers who want to get the most out of their Safran-powered Airbus helicopters.

FAA-certified technician inspecting Safran Arriel engine module on Airbus H125 helicopter at Boulder City facility

What Makes Safran Engines the Gold Standard?


Safran Helicopter Engines, particularly the Arriel family, are among the most trusted turbine powerplants in the world. The Arriel 1D1, 2B, 2B1, and 2D are all workhorses in commercial, public safety, tourism, and utility helicopter missions. Their modular architecture and serviceability make them efficient to inspect, repair, and overhaul—provided you follow OEM guidelines and partner with a certified repair station.


Key Safran Engine Parts & Components


1. Safran Arriel Engine Modules

Each Safran Arriel engine is made up of five key modules:

  • 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 module has a distinct overhaul interval and must be tracked individually according to Safran's Component Maintenance Manual (CMM) and your aircraft’s service logs.


2. Free Wheel Shaft Assemblies

This component enables autorotation by preventing engine torque from being transferred back to the powertrain in the event of engine failure.

  • 1D1 Freewheel Shaft – P/N: 0292907680

  • 2B Freewheel Shaft – P/N: 0292900020

These are typically replaced based on condition and cycle count, not just hours.


3. Fuel Control Units (FCU) and Pump & Metering Valves

These regulate the fuel flow from tank to turbine and are often known by alternate names such as HMU (Hydromechanical Units).

  • 1D1 FCU – P/N: 0164851320

  • 2B HMU – P/N: 0292861650

  • 2B1 HMU – P/N: 0292862620

Contaminated fuel or excessive heat cycles can cause premature wear, making regular inspection a must.


4. Drain Valves (Start and Overspeed)

Essential for proper lubrication and start-up sequences.

  • Start Drain Valve – P/N: 0174078030

  • Overspeed Drain Valve – P/N: 0174120180

Any irregularities in startup or shutdown behavior may be linked to these small but critical parts.


Accessories & Structural Components You Shouldn't Overlook


Besides engine modules, Black Mountain Aviation supports Safran accessories and supporting parts for Airbus helicopters, including:

  • Tail Rotor Spider (Pitch Change Unit)
    Part Numbers: 350A33-2030-00, 350A33-2167-00, 350A33-2167-01

  • Swashplates
    Part Numbers: 350A37-1004-08 through -11

  • Crossbeams (Dogbones)
    Part Numbers: 350A38-0211-00 through -02

  • Anti-Vibrators (AVA)
    Part Numbers: 350A31-0033-01 through -06

These parts directly affect rotor balance, vibration damping, and flight control—making them essential for both performance and pilot comfort.


Common Aircraft We Service


We support a wide variety of Airbus rotorcraft models, including:

  • Airbus H125 (AS350 B3)

  • Eurocopter AS350 B2

  • EC130 B4 and EC130 T2

All of these rely on Safran Arriel powerplants, and each has model-specific inspection intervals. At Black Mountain Aviation, we maintain certified parts and perform condition-based assessments to recommend repairs or replacements tailored to your flight hours, usage type, and climate conditions.


Understanding Replacement Cycles

OEM Replacement Guidelines (Typical Intervals)

Component: Module 1–5

Hours: 2,000–4,000

Cycles: Yes

Condition-Based?: Yes


Component: Freewheel Shaft

Hours: -

Cycles: 2,000–3,000

Condition-Based?: Yes


Component: FCU / HMU

Hours: 1,000–1,500

Cycles: -

Condition-Based?: Yes


Component: Drain Valves

Hours: 1,200

Cycles: -

Condition-Based?: Yes


Component: AVA / Spider / Crossbeam

Hours: 1,000–2,000

Cycles: Yes

Condition-Based?: Yes


Following OEM timelines is essential, but even more critical is real-world evaluation by certified mechanics who know how to detect subtle signs of fatigue, wear, or environmental impact.


Signs It's Time to Replace or Inspect Your Safran Parts

  1. Startup Lag or Unstable RPMs

  2. Unusual Vibrations or Noise from Rear Airframe

  3. Fluctuating EGT or N1 Spikes

  4. Oil Leaks or Metal Particles During Chip Checks

  5. Higher-than-normal fuel consumption

Don’t wait for a warning light or fault code—catching problems early protects the engine core, reduces downtime, and lowers total cost of ownership.


Component Overhaul Exchange Services


Black Mountain Aviation offers Component Overhaul Exchange programs to help operators swap time-expired or worn Safran engine modules and accessories quickly and efficiently. Every part is:

  • FAA certified with 8130-3 tags

  • Tested and serialized

  • Compliant with Arriel and Airbus OEM specs

This service helps you get back in the air faster—without waiting weeks for OEM turnarounds.


Why Choose Black Mountain Aviation?

  • FAA Part 145 Certified Repair Station

  • Located at Boulder City Municipal Airport (KBVU)

  • Decades of Safran/Arriel Experience

  • Inventory On-Hand for Exchange

  • Field Support Across Nevada & Southwest

  • Specialists in Airbus H125, AS350, EC130 Platforms

Our technicians are factory-trained, and our operation is built around fast turnarounds, traceability, and the safety standards you expect in mission-critical environments.


Schedule Your Next Safran Engine Inspection


Need support with your Safran Arriel 1D1, 2B, or 2D components? Whether it's diagnostics, replacement, or exchange, Black Mountain Aviation is your trusted partner.

Call (702) 294-1044
Visit:
www.bmaviation.net
1411 Airport Rd, Suite 100, Boulder City, NV 89005

Certified technician inspecting Safran Arriel 1D1 engine module on Airbus H125 helicopter.
July 10, 2025
FAA-certified Arriel engine module service at Black Mountain Aviation for Airbus helicopters, including the H125, AS350 B3, and EC130. Services include fuel control units, freewheel shafts, and tail rotor accessories—all traceable and compliant with OEM standards.
Safran Arriel helicopter engine module on test bench for inspection
By Black Mountain Aviation June 25, 2025
This image features a close-up view of a Safran Arriel 1D1 helicopter engine module on a test bench during a detailed inspection at Black Mountain Aviation. As a certified FAA Part 145 Repair Station, the facility performs complete module breakdowns, overhauls, and diagnostic services for Arriel 1D1 and 2B engines used in Airbus rotorcraft. The visible components highlight the engine’s modular construction and the high level of precision required during maintenance and certification processes.
 FAA-certified helicopter maintenance on an AS350 with Safran engine components inside Black Mountai
June 24, 2025
This image shows an AS350 helicopter undergoing rotorcraft maintenance inside the certified hangar of Black Mountain Aviation in Boulder City, Nevada. The facility specializes in FAA-approved repair services using Safran modules and accessories for Arriel engines.
Technicians performing a Safran engine inspection on an Airbus AS350 helicopter on the ramp at Bould
June 15, 2025
This image shows a bright orange Airbus AS350 helicopter undergoing a routine ramp-side inspection at Boulder City Municipal Airport (KBVU). Two certified A&P technicians from Black Mountain Aviation are preparing the aircraft for its next mission by inspecting Safran engine components.
Airbus helicopter maintenance in progress at Boulder City FAA-certified repair station
By Black Mountain Aviation June 5, 2025
Discover the most common maintenance issues on Airbus and Safran helicopters and how FAA-certified Black Mountain Aviation repairs them with precision and expertise. This image captures a red Airbus AS350 B3 helicopter undergoing detailed maintenance at Black Mountain Aviation's FAA-certified repair station located at Boulder City Municipal Airport. The aircraft is positioned inside the service hangar, with panels removed for avionics upgrades and engine diagnostics. Certified technicians are on-site ensuring compliance with FAA Part 145 standards. The hangar also houses fixed-wing aircraft, emphasizing the facility’s full-spectrum support for both rotorcraft and airplanes in Southern Nevada.
MD Helicopter maintenance and weapons system inspection in desert environment
By Black Mountain Aviation May 31, 2025
This image shows an MD-series helicopter undergoing ground maintenance in a desert training environment. The aircraft is equipped with a mounted tactical weapon system, highlighting its use in defense and training operations. FAA-certified technicians at Black Mountain Aviation provide specialized support for MD rotorcraft, including heavy maintenance, weapons system inspection, and field servicing. The helicopter's configuration and setting reflect the demands of mission-ready operations in Southern Nevada.
FAA-certified helicopter maintenance in Boulder City hangar
By Black Mountain Aviation May 15, 2025
This image shows the interior of Black Mountain Aviation’s FAA-certified repair station at Boulder City Municipal Airport. An Airbus helicopter is undergoing rotorcraft maintenance, surrounded by advanced avionics systems, specialized tools, and aircraft components. The facility supports Arriel engine servicing, avionics upgrades, and comprehensive aircraft repair solutions for operators throughout Nevada and the Southwest.