Helicopter Pilots: Check That Stuck Control Stick Now!
Published Date: 3/3/2026
Rule
Summary
If you fly an Airbus EC120B helicopter, listen up! The FAA found a problem where a part on the pilot’s control stick might be in the wrong spot, making it hard to move the stick fully. Starting April 7, 2026, owners must check this part and fix it if needed to keep flights safe—this is a one-time fix that helps avoid costly issues later.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
EC120B Pilot Stick Inspection Required
If you own or operate an Airbus Helicopters EC120B, you must do a one-time inspection of the bonding braid position on the pilot cyclic stick and, if needed, correct its position and install a binding clamp. The AD is effective April 7, 2026, applies to 72 U.S.-registered EC120B helicopters, and the FAA estimates the inspection takes 1 work-hour costing $85 per helicopter (total estimated cost to U.S. operators $6,120); any required repair is also estimated at 1 work-hour ($85). The AD was issued because incorrect braid positioning could limit full cyclic movement and could lead to loss of control in flight.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-09972 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Mitsubishi MU-2B Series Airplane Training Requirements
The FAA is renewing its paperwork rules for pilots flying the Mitsubishi MU-2B airplane to make sure they get special training and follow safety steps. This affects MU-2B pilots who must keep records proving they completed the required training. Comments on this plan are open until June 18, 2026, and the goal is to keep flying safer without adding extra hassle or costs.
2026-09953 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Experimental Aircraft: Letters of Deviation Authority (LODA)
The FAA is renewing its approval to collect info from pilots who want special permission to give paid flight lessons in experimental aircraft. This helps make sure these lessons are safe. If you’re involved, you can comment by June 18, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just the usual paperwork.
2026-09971 — Notice of Draft FAA Order 5100-38E, Airport Improvement Program Handbook
The FAA is updating its Airport Improvement Program Handbook to reflect new laws and policies since 2017. This affects airports, states, and contractors who rely on federal funding for airport projects. You can review the draft and share your thoughts by August 17, 2026, so the FAA can finalize the new guide and keep airport funding running smoothly.
2026-09942 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Geneva, OH
The FAA wants to create new Class E airspace around the University Hospitals Geneva Medical Center Heliport in Geneva, Ohio. This change will help pilots use special instrument flying rules safely when landing or taking off. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until July 2, 2026, to speak up—no costs or fees involved!
2026-09771 — Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
Pilatus PC-12 airplane owners and operators, heads up! The FAA is updating safety rules to fix a problem that could affect certain planes, meaning some extra checks or fixes might be needed. Comments on these changes are open until June 29, 2026, so get involved before then—these updates could cost some time and money but keep everyone flying safe.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04164 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
If you fly or fix Airbus Helicopters AS332 models, listen up! The FAA found a risky part that can break and cause trouble, so they’re making you replace and upgrade some rotor parts by April 7, 2026. These changes keep your helicopter safe and stop bad breaks, but they might cost some time and money to get done right.
Next: 2026-04166 — Freedom of Information Act
The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board just updated its Freedom of Information Act rules to make it easier and faster for you to get info. Starting April 2, 2026, you can send FOIA requests by email or online, and simple requests will be handled quicker. These changes also reflect new laws and agency updates, with no extra fees if deadlines are missed.