Security & Defense

Airworthiness Directives for Airbus Helicopters

🇺🇸United States··Final Rule·Medium Impact·View source ↗

AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.

🇬🇧 English

This rule mandates specific safety modifications for certain models of Airbus helicopters to address a structural issue that could lead to loss of control. It requires replacing parts of the main gearbox suspension to prevent failures. Helicopter operators must comply by April 29, 2026, to mitigate risks related to previously identified design flaws.

AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.

Key Changes

  • Mandates replacement of certain gearbox suspension components in Airbus helicopters
  • Prohibits installation of used parts on affected models
  • Sets compliance deadline for modifications by April 29, 2026

Obligations

What this law requires

high

Replace all affected front and rear attachment fittings, screws, nuts and washers of the MGB suspension bars on specified Airbus helicopter models with new (never previously installed) parts

Operators of Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350D helicopters
operational
high

Complete all required modifications and repairs by April 29, 2026

Operators of Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350D helicopters
operational
high

Prohibit installation of any affected front and rear attachment fittings, screws, nuts and washers unless they are new (never previously installed) parts

Operators and maintenance personnel of Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350D helicopters
prohibition
high

Perform a torque check of the nuts of each MGB attachment fitting as specified in EASA AD 2026-0021

Operators and maintenance personnel of Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350D helicopters
operational
high

Perform a sealing compound check in the inspection areas as defined in EASA AD 2026-0021 and conduct torque checks based on inspection results

Operators and maintenance personnel of Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350D helicopters
operational

Affected Parties

Airbus Helicopter OperatorsAviation Maintenance Teams

Tags

aviation safety,helicopter maintenance,FAA regulations