Helicopter Owners: Fix That Rotor Before It Drops
Published Date: 11/28/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly Airbus Helicopters models AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, or AS332L2, listen up! The FAA wants you to replace and upgrade parts in the main rotor to stop a dangerous part from breaking. You’ll need to act before January 12, 2026, or risk safety issues—and yes, there might be some costs involved to keep your chopper flying safe and sound.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory main-rotor part replacements
This proposed AD applies to Airbus Helicopters models AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 and would require replacing the rotor shaft assembly, modifying the rotating swashplate assembly (replacing each of the three ball joint-cups assemblies with one-piece self-lubricated spherical bearings), and modifying scissors hinges and swashplate trunnions as applicable. The FAA says the rule addresses a seized ball joint-cups assembly that caused scissors link rupture and possible loss of control. The FAA estimates the rule would affect 12 U.S.-registered helicopters.
FAA cost estimates for required work
The FAA provides cost estimates for two required actions: replacing three ball joint-cups assemblies is estimated at 3 work-hours (3 x $85 = $255) plus $9,861 in parts for a total cost per helicopter of $10,116, and the FAA estimates the U.S. fleet cost for that action at $121,392. Applying an anti-corrosion agent is estimated at 3 work-hours (3 x $85 = $255) per helicopter with parts cost $0, and the FAA estimates the U.S. fleet cost for that action at up to $3,060. The FAA also states it has no definitive data to estimate costs for replacing the rotor shaft assembly with certain modifications or for some modification options, and the manufacturer may cover some costs under warranty.
Special flight permits prohibited
The proposed AD explicitly prohibits special flight permits for affected helicopters. That means operators may not be allowed to fly the helicopter under a special flight permit to conduct flights that would otherwise be restricted while the unsafe condition exists.
Limits on installing MRH/rotor shaft parts
The proposed AD would prohibit installing a main rotor hub (MRH) assembly or a rotor shaft assembly on a helicopter unless certain requirements are met (the FAA references that EASA AD 2025-0116 prohibits installation unless it is a post-mod 0728849 configuration). Operators and maintenance providers must ensure installed MRH/rotor shaft assemblies meet the specified post-mod configuration requirements before installation.
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
2026-13440, 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.
2026-16803, Notice of Availability, Notice of Public Comment Period and Request for Comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) and FAA Order 1050.1G, FAA National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures, the FAA is announcing the availability of and requesting comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America (Draft EA).
2026-16795, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737 -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of nuisance stick shaker activation while accelerating to cruise speed at the top of a climb due to frozen angle of airflow (AOA) sensor vanes. This proposed AD would require installing new external case heaters (ECHs) on the left and right AOA sensors, performing repetitive functional tests and applicable corrective actions, and accomplishing applicable concurrent actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16804, Establishment of Class E Airspace; Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK
This action proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK. This action would support the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21434, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
The FAA wants all Airbus H160-B helicopter owners to check their tail rotor’s rear damper regularly because it might rub against the drive shaft, which isn’t safe. They’re asking for comments by January 12, 2026, before making this rule final. These inspections could save money by preventing bigger repairs or accidents down the line.
Next: 2025-21456, Medicare Program; Contract Year 2027 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, and Medicare Cost Plan Program
Starting in 2027, Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug, and Cost Plan programs will see updates to improve how plans are rated, marketed, and how drugs are covered. These changes affect millions of Medicare users and the companies that run these plans, aiming to make enrollment easier and benefits clearer. Comments on these updates are open until January 26, 2026, so stakeholders can weigh in before the new rules take effect.