FAA Orders Airbus Helicopter Owners to Fix Idle Engine Risks
Published Date: 9/18/2025
Rule
Summary
If you fly certain Airbus Helicopters like the AS350B3 or EC130 models, this new rule updates old safety checks on the throttle twist grip. It keeps the previous inspections but adds a fix that stops the need for repeated checks. Plus, it stops using certain parts that caused engines to stay stuck in idle, keeping flights safer and smoother without extra costs piling up.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Fixes engine-stuck-in-idle safety issue
The FAA issued this AD because reports showed engines could stay in idle when the twist grip was moved to the "FLIGHT" mode. The AD is meant to address that unsafe condition on the affected Airbus Helicopters to keep flights safer.
New modification ends repeated inspections
The new AD keeps the old inspections but adds a modification that is a terminating action for the repetitive inspections of the throttle twist grip. If you install that modification on affected helicopters, you no longer need to keep doing the repeated inspections required earlier.
More helicopters now covered
This AD expands the helicopters it applies to beyond the prior AD and adds additional requirements for certain helicopters. If your aircraft model falls into the expanded applicability, you will be newly subject to these AD requirements.
Previous inspection rules remain required
The FAA is superseding AD 2020-24-07 for Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B3, EC130B4, and EC130T2 and keeps the modifications and inspections that AD 2020-24-07 required. If you operate one of these helicopter models, you must continue to follow the earlier required twist-grip modification and inspection actions.
Certain parts now banned from installation
The AD prohibits installing affected microswitches or an affected twist grip that contains the affected microswitch. Maintenance crews and parts suppliers cannot install those specific parts on the covered helicopter models.
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Key Dates
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