Airbus Copters Face Hose Inspections: FAA Battles Leaky Hot Air Woes
Published Date: 3/10/2026
Rule
Summary
If you fly Airbus Helicopters AS355 models, listen up! The FAA found a broken hose problem caused by hot air leaks and now requires regular checks and fixes to keep things safe. These new rules kick in on March 25, 2026, so owners should get ready to inspect, fix, and avoid installing risky parts—saving money and lives in the long run.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory Inspections for AS355 Helicopters
If you operate an Airbus Helicopters Model AS355 (AS355E, F, F1, F2, N, or NP), you must follow the actions in EASA AD 2025-0287 starting March 25, 2026. That includes inspections of each engine drain valve, inspection of rear cargo compartment hoses, installation and repetitive inspection of thermal paper on drain pipes, and required corrective actions when problems are found.
Special Flight Permits Prohibited
Special flight permits to operate these AS355 helicopters under this AD are prohibited as of March 25, 2026. Operators cannot rely on special flight permits to move affected helicopters before completing required inspections or corrective actions.
FAA Cost Estimates and Fleet Size Impact
The FAA estimates the AD affects 36 U.S.-registered AS355 helicopters. Sample per-aircraft costs include $190 for the initial inspection and thermal paper installation, $123 to replace thermal paper, and $85 to inspect thermal paper; the FAA estimates $6,840 total for initial inspections across U.S. operators.
Pilots May Do Thermal Paper Visual Check
An owner/operator who holds at least a private pilot certificate may perform a visual check of both sides of the thermal paper, and must log that check in the helicopter maintenance records under 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). This visual check involves no maintenance or parts and may be recorded in the maintenance log.
Restricted Installation of Affected Hoses
The AD prohibits installing an affected rear cargo compartment hose (including P/N 350A21010123 / manufacturer P/N 350A21-0101-23) on any helicopter unless the AD's required conditions are met, effective March 25, 2026. Operators must follow the AD's procedures before putting an affected hose into service.
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: 2026-04586, Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order
Starting April 8, 2026, the Christmas Tree Promotion Board gets a fresh new name—the Real Christmas Tree Board—and some handy updates! Importers can now get refunds if their trees don’t sell, the Board can spend a bit more on admin costs, and everyone must keep records longer. These changes help keep the Christmas tree business running smoothly and fairly for growers, sellers, and importers alike.
Next: 2026-04627, Determination of Rates and Terms for Digital Performance of Sound Recordings by New Subscription Services and Making of Ephemeral Copies To Facilitate Those Performances (NSS V)
Starting January 1, 2026, new subscription services that play music as part of cable or satellite TV bundles will follow fresh rules on how much they pay for digital music performances and temporary copies. These rules, effective through 2030, set clear rates and terms agreed upon by major music and service players, making sure artists and rights holders get fair pay. If you’re a streaming service or music rights owner, these changes mean smoother, fairer payments for the next five years.