Helicopter Owners: FAA Wants Manual Safety Tweaks
Published Date: 3/21/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants all Airbus AS332C helicopter owners to update their maintenance manuals with new safety rules to keep flying safe. These changes come from Europe’s aviation agency and aim to prevent problems before they happen. Comments on this plan are open until May 5, 2025, so operators should prepare to act soon and might see some extra maintenance costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Prevents Critical-Part Failures and Loss of Control
The FAA proposes this AD for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C to require the new airworthiness limitations because failure of critical parts or primary structural components could result in loss of control of the helicopter. The rule is intended to reduce that safety risk for crew, passengers, and the public.
Mandatory Component Replacements and Intervals
EASA AD 2023-0145 (incorporated by reference) requires replacing components before exceeding their life limits and accomplishing all applicable maintenance tasks within the thresholds and intervals specified in the airworthiness limitations. Depending on task results, operators must do corrective actions or contact Airbus Helicopters for approved instructions.
Revise Maintenance Manual within 30 Days
If you operate an Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, you must revise the airworthiness limitations section of your maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness and the approved maintenance/inspection program within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. The FAA estimates this revision will take 1 work-hour at $85 per helicopter, affecting 105 U.S.-registered helicopters for a fleet cost of $8,925.
No Alternate Actions/Intervals Without Approval
After you revise your maintenance program as required, no alternative actions, associated thresholds, intervals, or life limits are allowed unless approved per the 'Ref. Publications' section of EASA AD 2023-0145. The FAA allows Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) to be approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, following 14 CFR 39.19 procedures.
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