FAA Proposes Throttle Grip Checks for Airbus Helicopters
Published Date: 6/20/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly certain Airbus Helicopters like the AS350B3 or EC130 models, the FAA wants you to update and inspect your throttle twist grips to keep engines running right. They’re adding new fixes to stop the engine from getting stuck in idle and expanding which helicopters need these updates. These changes could save you time and money by ending repeated inspections once done, so don’t wait to check the deadlines!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
New modification ends repeated inspections
The FAA proposes to supersede AD 2020-24-07 and would require an additional modification to the pilot's and co-pilot's throttle twist grip. Once that new modification is done, it would serve as terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by AD 2020-24-07.
More helicopters will be covered
The proposed AD would expand the helicopter applicability beyond the helicopters covered by AD 2020-24-07, which currently applies to certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B3, EC130B4, and EC130T2. If adopted, more Airbus Helicopter owners/operators would need to follow the AD's requirements.
Addresses engine stuck-at-idle safety issue
The FAA says the proposed AD was prompted by reports of the engine remaining in IDLE when the twist grip is moved to FLIGHT. The AD aims to correct that unsafe condition by keeping the required inspections and adding the new modification.
Prohibited installation of affected parts
The proposed AD would prohibit installing affected microswitches or an affected twist grip that contains an affected microswitch. Maintenance and parts purchases for affected helicopters would need to avoid those specific components.
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Key Dates
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