FAA Orders Fix for Miswired Airbus Helicopter Valves
Published Date: 5/28/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to make sure certain Airbus AS350B2 helicopters stay safe by checking and fixing a problem with their hydraulic valves caused by a wrongly installed diode. Owners will need to test the rear rotor actuator valve and fix any issues found. Comments on this plan are open until July 13, 2026, and while it might cost some time and money, it’s all about keeping flights safe and sound.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Prevents Reduced Control of Helicopter
This rule aims to stop magnetization caused by a diode not properly installed in the hydraulic circuit that can reduce the efficiency of the yaw load compensator and hydraulic assistance for the three main servo-controls and the tail servo-control. Fixing or replacing diodes as required is intended to prevent reduced control of the helicopter and improve flight safety.
Mandatory Test and Repair Costs for AS350B2
If you own or operate an Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2, you would have to perform a cut-off test of the rear rotor actuator valve that the FAA estimates takes 3 work-hours at $85/hour (a $255 cost per helicopter). The FAA says 12 U.S.-registered AS350B2 helicopters are affected (total estimated test cost $3,060), and if problems are found you may need repairs that the FAA estimates at $265 to replace a diode or $1,425 to install a missing diode.
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