FAA Tweaks Helicopter Gearbox Check Schedule
Published Date: 6/9/2026
Rule
Summary
If you fly or fix Airbus Helicopters like the AS350 or EC130 models, listen up! The FAA fixed some timing mistakes in the old safety checks for the main gearbox parts and now wants you to keep inspecting and fixing them on a new schedule. These updated rules kick in July 14, 2026, and help keep your helicopter safe without extra costs beyond regular maintenance.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Potentially Large Gearbox Repair Bills
If inspections find particles or damage, on-condition actions can be costly: metallurgical analysis is estimated at $510, close monitoring $170 per cycle, a borescope inspection $85, replacing an epicyclic module about $55,284 per module, or replacing a bevel reduction module about $23,260 per module. The FAA says it cannot predict how many helicopters will need these on-condition repairs.
Updated MGB Inspection Schedule
If you operate one of the listed Airbus Helicopters (AS350, AS355, or EC130 series), the FAA continues to require repetitive inspections of the main gearbox (MGB) bevel wheel and MGB magnetic plug on a corrected compliance schedule. This AD is effective July 14, 2026, the FAA estimates it affects 522 U.S. helicopters, and a routine visual inspection is estimated at 1 work-hour ($85) each.
Pilot May Perform Limited Action
This AD permits the owner/operator pilot (holding at least a private pilot certificate) to turn the tail rotor as the specific action in Note 1, and requires the pilot to enter compliance with the AD in the helicopter maintenance records under 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). Other maintenance actions must be done by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3.
One-Time Special Flight Permit Allowed
You may be issued a one-time, non-revenue special flight permit under 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to fly the helicopter to a location where the AD actions can be accomplished. That ferry flight must be flown with only essential flight crew.
No Manufacturer Reporting Required
Unlike the EASA material, this FAA AD does not require submitting inspection information to Airbus Helicopters. The AD explicitly states that although the EASA material specifies reporting to the manufacturer, the FAA AD does not require that action.
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