FAA Demands Bolt Swaps to Keep Helicopters Aloft
Published Date: 6/2/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly Airbus Helicopters AS 332L2 or EC 225LP models, listen up! The FAA wants you to swap out some bolts on the main gearbox suspension bar because the old ones might be too long or bent. You'll also need to check those bolts and tell Airbus what you find—keeping your chopper safe and sound without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Required replacement of MGB suspension bolts
If you operate an Airbus Helicopters Model AS 332L2 or EC 225LP, the FAA proposes you must replace certain attachment bolts on the main gearbox (MGB) suspension bar fittings. The replacement is required because reports found overlengthened and deformed attachment bolts on the suspension bar link.
Inspection of removed attachment bolts
The proposed rule requires inspecting the removed attachment bolts from the MGB suspension bar link. Inspecting the bolts is meant to identify overlengthened or deformed bolts that could cause an unsafe condition.
Mandatory reporting of inspection results to Airbus
The FAA proposes that operators must report the results of the bolt inspections to Airbus Helicopters. Reporting the inspection results is required as part of the directive to document findings for the unsafe condition investigation and corrective actions.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08943 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-09972 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Mitsubishi MU-2B Series Airplane Training Requirements
The FAA is renewing its paperwork rules for pilots flying the Mitsubishi MU-2B airplane to make sure they get special training and follow safety steps. This affects MU-2B pilots who must keep records proving they completed the required training. Comments on this plan are open until June 18, 2026, and the goal is to keep flying safer without adding extra hassle or costs.
2026-09953 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Experimental Aircraft: Letters of Deviation Authority (LODA)
The FAA is renewing its approval to collect info from pilots who want special permission to give paid flight lessons in experimental aircraft. This helps make sure these lessons are safe. If you’re involved, you can comment by June 18, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just the usual paperwork.
2026-09971 — Notice of Draft FAA Order 5100-38E, Airport Improvement Program Handbook
The FAA is updating its Airport Improvement Program Handbook to reflect new laws and policies since 2017. This affects airports, states, and contractors who rely on federal funding for airport projects. You can review the draft and share your thoughts by August 17, 2026, so the FAA can finalize the new guide and keep airport funding running smoothly.
2026-09942 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Geneva, OH
The FAA wants to create new Class E airspace around the University Hospitals Geneva Medical Center Heliport in Geneva, Ohio. This change will help pilots use special instrument flying rules safely when landing or taking off. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until July 2, 2026, to speak up—no costs or fees involved!
2026-09771 — Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
Pilatus PC-12 airplane owners and operators, heads up! The FAA is updating safety rules to fix a problem that could affect certain planes, meaning some extra checks or fixes might be needed. Comments on these changes are open until June 29, 2026, so get involved before then—these updates could cost some time and money but keep everyone flying safe.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-09892 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
If you fly certain Airbus Helicopters, the FAA wants you to check your fuel filters more carefully to keep things safe. They’re updating the rules to add new inspections, tweak how tight bolts should be, and remove some helicopter models from the list. These changes help prevent fuel leaks and keep your chopper flying smoothly, with inspections and fixes needed soon to avoid bigger problems.
Next: 2025-09896 — Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Engines
The FAA wants to keep certain Pratt & Whitney engines safe by requiring regular special inspections for cracks in key parts. If cracks are found, those parts must be fixed or replaced to avoid engine problems. This affects specific engine models and could mean some downtime and repair costs, but it’s all about keeping flights safe and sound.