# 2026-03518: FAA Orders Checks on Helicopter Fire Extinguishers for Safety

2026-03518, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, is a Federal Register rule from Transportation Department, Federal Aviation Administration published 2026-02-23, effective 2026-03-10 (as of 2026-06-11).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-03518
- As of: 2026-06-11
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-03518
- Title: Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: Transportation Department; Federal Aviation Administration
- Citation: 91 FR 8368
- Published: 2026-02-23
- Effective: 2026-03-10
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: no
- Regulation identifier numbers: 2120-AA64
- Last updated: 2026-06-11

## In one line

FAA Orders Checks on Helicopter Fire Extinguishers for Safety

## Summary

If you own or operate an Airbus SA330J helicopter, listen up! The FAA found a problem with the engine fire extinguisher’s pyrotechnic cartridge and now requires regular checks and fixes to keep things safe. Starting March 10, 2026, you can’t install certain cartridges unless they meet new rules—so get ready to inspect, fix, and stay flying without a hitch.

## Abstract

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report that the measured resistance value of the pyrotechnic cartridge of the engine fire extinguisher was out of tolerance. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the pyrotechnical cartridge and, depending on the results of the inspection, accomplishing corrective actions. This AD also prohibits an affected pyrotechnical cartridge from being installed on any helicopter unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Effects PRIA read

- Mandatory inspections for SA330J cartridges: cost, medium. If you own or operate an Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J, the FAA requires repetitive inspections of the engine fire-extinguisher pyrotechnic cartridges (P/N 704A38710044 and P/N 704A38710045 with serial numbers listed in Table 1 of EASA AD 2025-0231) and corrective actions as specified in EASA AD…
- Installation ban for affected cartridges: cost, low. Starting March 10, 2026, you may not install an affected pyrotechnic cartridge on any helicopter unless it meets the AD’s serviceability requirements as specified in EASA AD 2025-0231 and the FAA’s exceptions. Installation is prohibited unless those requirements are satisfied.
- Short 3-month inspection deadline: cost, medium. You must perform the required inspection within 3 months after the AD’s effective date (effective March 10, 2026), i.e., by June 10, 2026. The FAA found good cause for the shortened compliance time due to safety risk.
- FAA cost estimates and affected fleet size: cost, medium. The FAA estimates this AD affects 37 U.S.-registered SA330J helicopters. The FAA estimates inspection time as 4 work-hours at $85 per hour = $340 per helicopter and $12,580 total for U.S. operators; if replacement is needed the action requires 4 work-hours at $85 per hour (labor as stated in the ru…
- Special flight permits prohibited: cost, low. Special flight permits to ferry affected SA330J helicopters for the purpose of compliance are prohibited under this AD. Operators cannot rely on special flight permits to delay compliance or move helicopters under this rule.

## Related documents

- [2026-15585](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-15585): Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems, 2026-07-31
- [2026-13440](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-13440): Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight, 2026-07-02
- [2026-13126](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-13126): Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period, 2026-06-30
- [2026-08943](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-08943): Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility, 2026-05-06
- [2025-04846](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2025-04846): Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya, 2025-03-20
- [2025-03853](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2025-03853): Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Corre…, 2025-03-11

## Sources
- [2026-03518 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/23/2026-03518/airworthiness-directives-airbus-helicopters)
- [2026-03518 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-02-23/pdf/2026-03518.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-03507, Comprehensive Fishery Management Plans for Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thom…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-03507)
- [Next: 2026-03520, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-03520)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-03518 (as of 2026-06-11).