Safran Modules & Accessories: How Black Mountain Aviation Keeps Helicopters Mission-Ready

Introduction


Helicopter operators across the Southwest understand one thing: downtime isn’t just inconvenient—it’s costly. Whether you're transporting tourists over the Grand Canyon, conducting emergency medical operations, or working with utility or firefighting fleets, operational readiness is critical. And that readiness starts with dependable, OEM-certified Safran modules and Safran accessories.


At Black Mountain Aviation, a certified FAA Part 145 Repair Station based at Boulder City Municipal Airport (KBVU), we specialize in the maintenance and replacement of Safran engine parts, including Arriel-compatible modules and accessories. Our mission is to keep your aircraft mission-ready, compliant, and safe—no matter the mission.

FAA-certified helicopter maintenance on an AS350 with Safran engine components inside Black Mountain Aviation’s Boulder City hangar

What Are Safran Modules?


Safran modules are the building blocks of Arriel engines, commonly found in aircraft such as the Airbus H125, AS350 B2/B3, and EC130 models. These modules are engineered for modular servicing, meaning each section of the engine can be inspected, serviced, or replaced without needing to overhaul the entire engine.

Here’s a breakdown of the five primary Safran modules:

  • Module 1: Axial Compressor – Initiates air intake and compression.

  • Module 2: Gas Generator Turbine – Powers the compressor through exhaust gases.

  • Module 3: Power Turbine – Converts exhaust gas into mechanical energy.

  • Module 4: Reduction Gearbox – Lowers engine output speed to drive the main rotor.

  • Module 5: Accessories Gearbox – Supports secondary systems like pumps and generators.

This modular architecture reduces time, labor, and cost when performing inspections or part replacements.


Understanding Safran Accessories

Safran accessories support the primary operation of Arriel engines and ensure the seamless functioning of auxiliary systems. Though smaller in size, these components are just as vital as the main engine modules.

Key Safran accessories include:

  • Fuel Control Units (FCUs)

  • Overspeed Drain Valves

  • Start Drain Valves

  • Sensors for temperature, pressure, and RPM

  • Free Wheel Shaft Assemblies

  • Actuators and couplings

Without properly functioning accessories, an aircraft may experience slow startups, inaccurate readings, fuel flow interruptions, or even engine failure.


Why OEM-Certified Parts Matter

At Black Mountain Aviation, we use only OEM-certified Safran engine parts, modules, and accessories. Here’s why that matters:

  • FAA Compliance – All parts are traceable and meet FAA Part 145 requirements.

  • Guaranteed Compatibility – Designed specifically for Arriel 1D1, 2B, 2B1, and 2D engine families.

  • Durability & Performance – OEM parts are built to last under real-world flying conditions.

  • Safety Assurance – OEM accessories include factory testing and documentation.

We never cut corners with aftermarket or questionable components. Every installation comes with full traceability and airworthiness documentation.


Common Part Numbers We Carry

Some of the frequently serviced or stocked Safran engine parts at our Boulder City facility include:

  • 70BM015420 – 1D1 Module 1

  • 70BM035420 – 1D1 Module 3

  • 70BM052000 – 2B Module 5

  • 0292907680 – Free Wheel Shaft Assembly

  • 0164851320 – Fuel Control Unit

  • 0174120180 – Overspeed Drain Valve

  • 0174078030 – Start Drain Valve

These parts are ready for installation, testing, or exchange at our facility or in the field.


Our Process: From Diagnosis to Delivery

At Black Mountain Aviation, your maintenance experience is as important as the components we install. Our FAA-certified process includes:

  1. Initial Inspection – Includes borescope analysis, performance testing, and logbook review.

  2. Part Identification – Cross-reference part numbers, time-before-overhaul (TBO) status, and technical directives.

  3. Safran Module or Accessory Replacement – Install certified OEM parts with full traceability.

  4. Engine Testing & Dynamic Balancing – Ensure performance meets or exceeds standards.

  5. Documentation – Update logbooks, FAA 8130 forms, and inspection reports.

Who We Serve

Black Mountain Aviation supports a wide range of clients in the helicopter community:

  • Tour operators flying AS350 or EC130s over Hoover Dam and Lake Mead

  • Firefighting and search & rescue teams needing rapid engine support

  • Law enforcement agencies flying Airbus H125 helicopters

  • Private fleet managers and aviation companies across the Southwest

  • Government contractors operating under mission-critical deadlines

Whether it's a single aircraft or a multi-platform fleet, we ensure each helicopter receives precise, safety-focused service with rapid turnaround.


Field Service & Regional Reach

Based at Boulder City Municipal Airport, we offer mobile engine diagnostics and repair services across:

  • Las Vegas & Henderson

  • Southern Utah & Northern Arizona

  • Pahrump, Laughlin & Searchlight, NV

  • Lake Havasu & Grand Canyon Region

When your aircraft can’t come to us, we bring certified Safran accessories and Safran modules to you—with no compromise on service or compliance.


Why Black Mountain Aviation?

  • FAA Part 145 Certified (LVBR789X)

  • Over 200 years of combined technician experience

  • Factory-trained A&P mechanics specializing in Arriel platforms

  • Extensive on-site inventory of Safran engine parts

  • Proximity to key operations in Southern Nevada

We don't just install parts—we deliver peace of mind backed by safety, service, and expertise.


Conclusion


When performance, compliance, and speed matter most, trust Black Mountain Aviation for your Safran modules and Safran accessories needs. From modular repairs to certified part replacements, we ensure your helicopter fleet remains mission-ready—on time, every time.


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.
FAA-certified technician inspecting Safran Arriel engine module on Airbus H125 helicopter at Boulder
July 2, 2025
Black Mountain Aviation provides FAA-certified servicing, overhaul exchange, and replacement of Safran Arriel engine modules and accessories for Airbus H125, AS350, and EC130 helicopters.
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.
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
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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.