FAA Mandates Helicopter Gearbox Inspections for Safer Flights
Published Date: 5/15/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to make sure certain Airbus Helicopters have their engine parts installed correctly to keep flying safe. If you own or operate models like AS350 or EC130, you’ll need to check the main gearbox engine coupling soon and fix any problems found. Comments on this plan are open until June 29, 2026, and while inspections might cost some time and money, they’re key to avoiding bigger issues.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Mandatory MGB Engine Coupling Inspection
If you own or operate Airbus Helicopters Model AS350 (B, BA, B1, B2, B3, D) manufactured before May 15, 2023, or EC130B4/EC130T2 manufactured before February 13, 2023, you must inspect the main gearbox (MGB) engine coupling for a possibly inverted engine flange and do required corrective actions. The FAA proposes to require following European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2023-0127 (dated June 27, 2023), which specifies a one-time inspection and, depending on results, installing a correctly assembled engine flange or a new engine flange.
Estimated Inspection and Repair Costs
The FAA estimates the inspection takes 1 work-hour at $85, affecting 4,102 U.S.-registered helicopters for an estimated total cost to U.S. operators of $348,670. If corrective action is needed, installing an engine flange is estimated at 2 work-hours ($170) plus parts costing up to $1,935, for a potential repair cost per helicopter up to $2,105.
FAA Removes Reporting Requirement
EASA AD 2023-0127 asks operators to submit inspection results to the manufacturer, but this FAA proposed AD explicitly does not require submitting those inspection results. You still must perform the inspection and any corrective actions, but you are not required by this FAA AD to send the results to the manufacturer.
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: 2026-09772, Airworthiness Directives; Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. Airplanes
If you own a Diamond Aircraft DA20-C1, listen up! The FAA found that some emergency locator transmitters might not work because of a missing wire. They want owners to check the connector and fix any problems ASAP to keep flights safe—comments on this plan are open until June 29, 2026, and the fix could save lives without breaking the bank.
Next: 2026-09791, Certification of Dispatchers
The Federal Railroad Administration is proposing to cancel its 2024 rule that would have required railroad dispatchers to get certified. This change affects dispatchers and the rail companies that employ them, potentially saving time and money by avoiding new certification steps. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by July 14, 2026!