FAA Orders Airbus Helicopter Owners to Swap Risky Gearbox Parts Fast
Published Date: 4/14/2026
Rule
Summary
If you fly certain Airbus AS350 helicopters, listen up! The FAA found a risky gap in the main gearbox suspension bars and now requires replacing some parts with brand-new ones to keep your chopper safe. This rule kicks in April 29, 2026, so owners should act fast to avoid safety issues and possible costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory New-Part Replacements
If you own or operate an Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B/BA/B1/B2/B3/D delivered before January 1, 2026, you must replace the front and rear main gearbox (MGB) suspension bar attachment fittings, screws, nuts, and washers with new (never previously installed) parts. This requirement is effective April 29, 2026 and must be done within the compliance times specified in EASA AD 2026-0021 as incorporated by reference.
Urgent 10‑Hour Deadline for High‑Hour Birds
If a listed AS350 helicopter has accumulated 35,950 hours time-in-service (TIS) or more, you must complete the required replacement within 10 hours TIS after April 29, 2026. That short timeline applies to helicopters on the U.S. registry that meet or exceed the 35,950-hour threshold.
FAA Cost Estimate Per Helicopter
The FAA estimates the replacement requires 8 work-hours at $85/hour (labor $680) plus parts costing $13,800, for a total estimated cost per helicopter of $14,480. The FAA estimates this AD affects 903 U.S.-registered helicopters with a total cost to U.S. operators of $13,075,440.
Ban on Re‑Installing Affected Hardware
The AD prohibits installing affected front and rear attachment fittings, screws, nuts, and washers on any helicopter unless those parts are new (never previously installed). Maintenance providers and parts suppliers must supply new parts to return helicopters to service.
Model AS350BB Is Not Covered
This AD does not apply to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350BB because that model does not have an FAA type certificate, so owners/operators of AS350BB helicopters are not subject to these replacement requirements under this AD.
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Key Dates
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