FAA Calls for Airbus Helicopter Safety Tweaks – Pilots Take Note
Published Date: 5/7/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own or work with Airbus Helicopters Model EC155B or EC155B1, the FAA wants you to update your maintenance manuals with new safety rules to keep flying safe. These changes come because experts found some parts need stricter checks to avoid problems. You’ve got until June 22, 2026, to share your thoughts, and while this update might cost some time and money, it’s all about keeping those choppers flying safely!
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Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory Replacement and Maintenance Limits
The proposed AD requires compliance with EASA AD 2025-0191, which directs replacing certain components before exceeding their life limits and doing specified maintenance tasks within the ALS thresholds and intervals. Revising the Aircraft Maintenance Programme (AMP) by incorporating those limitations is a terminating action for ongoing AD compliance.
Quick 30‑Day Maintenance Manual Update
If you own or operate an Airbus Helicopters Model EC155B or EC155B1 in the U.S., you must revise the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing maintenance manual or inspection/maintenance program within 30 days after the AD's effective date. The FAA estimates this documentation change takes 1 work-hour at $85 per helicopter and that 16 U.S.-registered helicopters would incur a combined compliance cost of $1,360.
Limits on Alternate Inspections Without Approval
After you revise the ALS and maintenance/inspection program as required, the AD disallows alternative actions (for example, different inspections or life limits) unless those alternatives are specifically approved as provided in the referenced EASA AD publications. You must get FAA-approved alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) following 14 CFR 39.19 procedures if you want to use different actions or intervals.
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