FAA Mandates Extra Checks on Helicopter Rotors
Published Date: 11/20/2025
Rule
Summary
If you fly an Airbus EC225LP helicopter, listen up! The FAA is updating safety rules to keep your main rotor gearboxes in top shape by adding more parts to watch, requiring regular checks and replacements, and tightening who can do the work. These changes kick in December 26, 2025, so owners should prepare for some extra maintenance that helps keep flights safe without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 5 costs, 1 mixed.
Mandatory 1,000‑hour replacement rule
If you operate an Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP with the affected parts, within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after December 26, 2025 you must determine the total hours TIS of the right‑hand (RH) free wheel shaft. If it has 1,000 or more hours TIS you must replace the main rotor gearbox (MGB) or the RH free wheel shaft before further flight, and you must repeat replacement before any RH free wheel shaft accumulates 1,000 total hours TIS thereafter.
Optional terminating MGB replacement
For EC225LP helicopters with the parts in paragraph (c)(1), you may choose an optional terminating action: install an MGB P/N 332A32-5001-XX, 332A32-5002-XX, or 332A32-5003-XX with a main module (12-roller) and without MOD 07-53016 installed to terminate the AD's repetitive requirements.
Expanded parts applicability added
This AD expands applicability to add MGB part number 332A32-5004-XX with main module P/N 332A32-5400-00. The expanded applicability means helicopters with those MGBs are now subject to the AD's inspection, replacement, placard, and RFM requirements effective December 26, 2025.
Immediate placard and RFM revision
Within 10 hours TIS after December 26, 2025, you must install one or two self-adhesive placards on the instrument panel and revise the limitations section of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) by inserting specified text or this AD. The owner/operator with at least a private pilot certificate may make the RFM revision. The FAA estimates installing placards and revising the RFM takes 0.5 work-hour at $85/hour, an estimated $43 per helicopter.
Parts installation limitation rule
As of December 26, 2025, you may not install specified MGB part numbers (including P/Ns 332A32-5001-XX through 332A32-5004-XX with certain modules) on any helicopter unless you have first done the placard and RFM actions required by the AD.
Credit for prior compliant work
If you already performed the AD actions before December 26, 2025 in accordance with Airbus Helicopters Emergency ASB EC225-04A016 Revision 1, 2, or 3 (dates June 28, 2019; July 23, 2019; August 5, 2019), you get credit for the AD's required actions.
Who may perform required replacements changed
The AD changes the requirement for who can replace certain parts: the AD requires the actions be accomplished by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3 rather than by a specifically named Airbus Helicopter Specialist.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
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.
2025-04846, Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This affects U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and pilots with FAA certificates flying in Libyan airspace, due to ongoing safety risks. The rule also reminds everyone how to apply for special approvals or exemptions if needed.
2025-03853, Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Correction”
The FAA is giving repair stations outside the U.S. a break by delaying enforcement of new drug and alcohol testing rules until March 20, 2025. This means affected repair stations don’t have to worry about penalties if they aren’t fully following the updated rules just yet. The delay helps everyone get ready without rushing or extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20472, Federal Reserve Bank Capital Stock
The Federal Reserve is raising the asset threshold that decides how much dividend banks get on their Reserve Bank stock, adjusting it for inflation to $13.18 billion starting January 1, 2026. This change affects banks that own Reserve Bank stock and have total assets near this new cutoff. The update keeps dividend rules fair and reflects the economy’s growth, with the new rule kicking in December 22, 2025.
Next: 2025-20492, Air Plan Approval; Minnesota; Exempt Source SIP Revision
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to Minnesota’s updated air rules that make state and federal standards match up better. This change mainly affects small air pollution sources by clarifying their permit rules and adding some new exempt categories. The new rules kick in on December 22, 2025, with no extra costs expected for businesses or the state.